By Shadreck Gurenje
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the young people to accelerate and embrace the use of technology to drive the nation's economic agenda.
Addressing thousands of youths at the Robert Mugabe square during the National Youth Day, President Mnangagwa said the youths must step up ICT usage to explore and exploit business opportunities across various sectors.
President Mnangagwa also challenged the young people to be actively involved technologically and be part and parcel of broad based empowerment programmes being rolled out under the Second Republic.
" In this digital era , I do urge you to step up your use of ICTs to explore and exploit business opportunities that exist across the various sectors so that you help propel our socio-economic development agenda.
"These programmes are part of a raft of my government efforts to embrace the youth as we ensure development that leaves no one and no place behind . In light of these broad-based and inclusive empowerment programmes, I challenge the youth to be actively involved. Be head, be counted, play your part, " said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also said his administration is intensifying the implementation of education 5.0 to further support science and technology especially to the young generation.
"On human resource and skills development front, my administration is intesifying the implementation of the Education 5.0 Policy, vocational education and techincal entrepreneurship training. At the centre of the agenda are innovation hubs and industrial parks which will propel the modernisation and industrialization of our nation as well as see the production of our goods and services for our people.
" The Vocational Training Centres are being capacited in line with my Government's Science , Technology and Innovation agenda and in keeping with contemporary trends. I have directed the establishment of 10 more targeted vocational training centres, be speeded up," said President Mnangagwa
President Mnangawa also said the country's economic sector continues shifting from recovery to growth and anticipated increase of economic activities in all sectors which result in an improved quality of life of the general populace and young people in particular.
" Furthermore, as our economy continues shifting from to growth, the anticipated increase of economic activities in all sectors will result in an improved quality of life of the general populace and young people in particular. As the youth, you will not be left behind in all the development initiatives being championed by my government.
"As your President , i am impressed by socio-economic contributions you are making as our young people in your various small and medium enterprises. Your "hustle" is important and invaluable to both your families and the economy as a whole. As such my government has since recapitalised Empower Bank to increase resources available to young people.
"The challenge is now yours, to exploit the Youth Business Starter Packs Programme to start and grow successful business enterprises. My Government is currently in the process of facilitating the provision of decent worshops for SMEs, " said President Mnangagwa.