Zimbabwe’s youth unemployment rate has reached alarming levels, with over 47% of young people aged 15 to 35 out of work, according to the latest statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat). Of particular concern is the 58.7% unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24.
The unemployment crisis is worsening as the country faces ongoing economic struggles, political instability, and a shrinking job market. Cities like Harare and Bulawayo are seeing fierce competition for limited job opportunities, with many young graduates unable to secure stable employment.
Zimbabwe need to stop seeing young people as a problem and start seeing them as a solution, Investing in youth entrepreneurship and ensuring that education equips young people with the right skills can turn the tide and transform Zimbabwe’s economy.
President Mnangagwa, at the politburo yesterday, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in economic development. “Synergies should be scaled up to encouraged more young people to play an active role in the economic affairs of the region”. He emphasized that this would contribute significantly to the realization of the SADC vision 2050, a plan for regional economic integration and development.
Despite, these calls for action, thousands of graduates have been sitting at home for years after completing their studies, sending out countless job applications with no response. Many, disillusioned by the lack of opportunities, have been forced to turn to informal jobs, such as selling mobile phones in city streets or driving commuter omnibuses (kombis) to make a living. For many, education has not been the pathway to a stable career that they once believed it would be.
A large portion of the youth, especially in Bulawayo, have resorted to informal work or entrepreneurship. Nearly 39.3% of youths in the city fall into the “Not in Education, Employment, or Training” (NEET) category, reflecting the dire situation many young people face.
The country’s education system has also been criticized for producing graduates who lack the skills needed for the labor market. Despite having higher education, many young Zimbabweans find it difficult to find work in the formal sector, where industries like manufacturing and mining have been shrinking.
Experts suggest that the government must focus on diversifying the economy and investing in emerging sectors, including technology, agriculture, and renewable energy, to create new job opportunities. Additionally, the education system needs to emphasize practical, market-relevant skills.
A focus on supporting young entrepreneurs is also critical. Access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure improvements could help youth-led businesses thrive, offering an alternative to traditional employment.
The unemployment crisis in Zimbabwe’s youth population is a significant challenge, but experts believe that with strategic policy changes, there is potential for improvement.
