By Itai Mazire
KAMPALA, Uganda – Zimbabwe has issued a compelling call for young Africans to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators and exporters of knowledge, as the continent races to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Republic of Zimbabwe at a high-level youth conference in Kampala, Honourable Vivian Maponga emphasized that Africa’s greatest opportunity lies with its people, particularly the youth who constitute around 60 percent of the continent’s population.
“This is more than a demographic reality; it is a tremendous development asset. But a youthful population becomes a strength when young people have access to quality education, skills, technology, finance, mentorship and opportunities to participate meaningfully in development,”said Hon. Maponga
The address puts emphasis that innovation must be practical and purposeful, translating directly into enterprises, employment and stronger communities.
Hon. Maponga highlighted that a young entrepreneur transforming a local resource into a competitive product, a farmer using technology to improve productivity and a scientist developing community solutions are all vital forms of impactful innovation.
The speech stressed that while the SDGs and Agenda 2063 provide ambitious frameworks, they only become meaningful when translated into action on the ground.
This requires genuine collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia, development partners, and young people.
In a strong call for tangible change, the Zimbabwean representative urged that youth participation move beyond mere invitations and consultations.
“Young people must be given genuine opportunities to create, implement, lead and be accountable for results,” the statement read.
Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to this journey, advocating for investmentment in young innovators, opening markets for young entrepreneurs, strengthening digital and technical skills, and creating platforms for youth to contribute to policy and national development.
Hon. Maponga concluded by challenging the youth to embrace discipline, integrity, and service, declaring that Africa must become confident in its own capacity.
“Our youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. We are partners in building the Africa of today and architects of the Africa we want for tomorrow,” she said.
The conference aims to build lasting partnerships connecting young innovators with investors, ideas with institutions, and innovation with markets, ensuring that the gathering produces measurable commitments and lasting solutions for the continent.
