By Tichaona Kurewa
GOVERNMENT is keen on promoting innovation among youths to ensure the attainment of an upper middle income society by 2030.
With every Zimbabwean expected to play a part in the economic turnaround of the country, youths have been identified as key in driving national development through innovation.
The paradigm shift saw the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), launching a Tourism Innovation Challenge for youths which has been met with excitement in Matabeleland North Province, with young people describing it as an opportunity for entrepreneurship in tourism.
The provincial competition was won by 26-year old Tawanda Muchenje who came up with a project dubbed the Tour De Falls.
“A cycling tour of the Victoria Falls is going to be organised annually in the Victoria Falls during the winter season to bring traffic into the falls. It will start from the airport to the border and expand the stretch from Lupane over the years. I’m happy to represent my province and I promise to win on behalf of this province,” he said.
The prize giving ceremony was presided over by Hwange District Development Coordinator; Mr Simon Muleya who gave an insight into the key objectives of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) which also encourages, stimulates and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among youths.
“The government is committed to the participation of the youth in the economy through innovation. This initiative is visible through the innovation hubs being established in tertiary institutions throughout the country.
“In our province, Matabeleland North Province, innovation is important for positioning us as the creator of solutions to address both local and national challenges. This will contribute towards achieving Upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030 as enunciated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D Mnangagwa, explained Muleya.
Research has shown that most ground-breaking innovations come from young people below the age of 30, hence Zimbabwe’s efforts to tap into the youth dividend.
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