• Make impact

    • Zimbabwe

    Skills make the difference in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe’s population is notably young, with 62% under the age of 25. This demographic faces significant challenges, including a 14.3% youth unemployment rate and widespread informal employment, which leaves many in poverty. 

    Young Africa implements an innovative approach that combines market-relevant vocational training with essential soft skills development, including in-between other life skills and entrepreneurship training. 

    The situation in numbers

    62%
    of Zimbabwe's 15.9 million population are under 25, making it one of the youngest countries on the continent.
    10%
    of youth achieve a degree or certificate in higher education. 
    72%
    of working youth live in poverty due to low wages and informal jobs.
    14,3%
    Youth unemployment rate between age 15-24 years old. Actual unemployment may be higher due to the informal sector.

    Affiliate information

    • Active since2001
    • Young Africa CentresYoung Africa Chitungwiza I Young Africa Epworth
    • Mobile trucksHwange I Binga I Lupane I Makoni I Nyanga I Chirundu I Beit I Bridge I Chipinge
    • TVET Training Electrotechnician I Welding I Solar I elementary catering I Hairdressing I manicure and pedicure I etc

    Where it all began

    Young Africa Zimbabwe, established in 2001, marks the beginning of Young Africa’s transformative work on the continent. It has become a cornerstone of the organization’s mission, empowering vulnerable youth with vocational and life skills to foster employability and entrepreneurship.

    To date, Young Africa Zimbabwe has reached over 25,000 youth across seven provinces. With a strong partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, it operates across all ten provinces, setting the standard for youth empowerment and inspiring similar initiatives across Africa.

    About us

    Centres and mobile outreach

    Chitungwiza centre

    Young Africa Zimbabwe’s Chitungwiza Centre offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to support professional and personal development. The centre provides vocational training, academic coaching, and soft skills training to equip students with the tools needed for success.

    The campus features a hostel, accommodating students from other provinces who come to study on-site, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, the centre is home to an on-site crèche and pre-school, originally developed to support young mothers by providing a safe space for their children. This facility is now accessible to all students, staff, and the local community, ensuring a supportive environment for all.

    To further enhance well-being, the Chitungwiza Centre includes a Wellness Centre, offering medical and psychological first-response services. When necessary, it connects individuals with specialized care through its network of partner organizations, ensuring holistic support for students and the xxx

    Epworth centre

    The second centre in Zimbabwe is located in Epworth and began its operations in 2006. Young Africa Epworth offers vocational training students in commercial, technical and entrepreneurial skills training and academic coaching. The centre organises annual arts festivals for the local community and includes a secondary school.

    YA’s Specialized Mobile Training Units

    An important part of the services of Young Africa Zimbabwe is the mobile outreach programme. The programme enables Young Africa to offer residential and/or weekend training programmes in the different districts in Zimbabwe.

    Susan Madodo joined the team in 2010 and as a Country Director runs the two fully fledged training centres. She holds a diploma in NGO Management and Administration & Certificate in Development Education. Susan is a certified Entrepreneurship and Life Skills trainer.

    Prashant Shah
    Cathrine Chimanda
    Andre Bongers

    Young Africa Chitungwiza Skills Centre

    21468, Mharapara Road
    Unit L-Seke
    Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
    +263 242 724483
    ya.zim@youngafrica.org

    Young Africa Epworth Skills Centre

    5051 Overspill Epworth
    Harare, Zimbabwe
    ya.zim@youngafrica.org

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    Projects

    Youth Employability Booster

    The Youth Employability Booster initiative tackles youth unemployment in Nigeria by delivering innovative vocational training and entrepreneurial support.

    Nigeria

    Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP)

    By promoting sustainable livelihoods in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the initiative drives meaningful economic growth, social empowerment, and strengthened organizational capacity.

    Zimbabwe

    Sustainable Youth Empowerment (SYE)

    Never before was the need for Mozambique’s youth to be driving transformative change and foster sustainable development within their communities bigger than now.

    Mozambique