Chitungwiza Municipality has issued a clarion call for increased investment in skills development, infrastructure, and key growth sectors, as the city seeks to transform into a modern urban hub anchored by its youthful and entrepreneurial population.
The appeal was made by Dr. Evangelista Machona, who delivered welcome remarks on behalf of Acting Town Clerk Mr. Japson Nemuseso during the graduation ceremony of over 400 students at Young Africa Zimbabwe’s Unit L Training Centre on Thursday.
Addressing dignitaries, including the European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, and Indian Ambassador Bramah Kumar, Dr. Machona said Chitungwiza is open for investment and ready to partner with local and international stakeholders to unlock economic growth.
“This graduation is a powerful reflection of what Chitungwiza is capable of. These 400 graduates are not just job-seekers; they are future innovators, service providers, and potential employers. They represent the kind of human capital that makes our city ripe for impactful investment in skills development, renewable energy, SMEs, ICT, and more,” said Dr. Machona
“As we continue working towards transforming Chitungwiza into a modern urban centre, we are actively seeking partnerships and investment in infrastructure, skills development, SMEs, renewable energy, ICT, value addition in agro-processing, and heritage tourism and cultural preservation.”
“Today’s graduation is clear proof that the human capital to support such development is already here.”
She described the graduates as a testament to Chitungwiza’s untapped potential—youth who are not merely job-seekers but future innovators, entrepreneurs, and service providers equipped with market-relevant skills.
“This city is alive with entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. The 400 young men and women we celebrate today reflect the energy and determination that define Chitungwiza. We invite our visiting dignitaries and all development partners to deepen their interest in Chitungwiza as a destination for sustainable, impactful investment,” she added.
The graduates completed training across 15 vocational disciplines ranging from automotive technology and engineering to early childhood development and creative arts.
Dr. Machona lauded Young Africa Zimbabwe for its vital role in empowering the city’s youth, describing the institution as a “pillar of transformation” and a key partner in Chitungwiza’s development journey.
Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe’s third-largest urban settlement, is home to a vibrant informal economy and a growing population of young people.
The municipality is positioning itself as a future-ready city focused on innovation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.
“We believe our city offers a unique investment proposition—energetic human capital, growing demand for services, and institutions like Young Africa producing work-ready graduates,” said Dr. Machona.
She closed by urging graduates to remain committed to learning and creating change in their communities, while reaffirming the municipality’s support for youth empowerment and public-private collaboration.
“Let us measure our success not just by certificates, but by the positive change we bring to our communities,” she said.
“Your achievements today are not just personal milestones but a collective triumph for Chitungwiza.”
