Harare – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called on young women to take up government backed economic opportunities, produce quality local goods and services and help tackle drug and substance abuse in their communities.
Mnangagwa made the call while addressing more than 8 000 delegates at the Young Women for Economic Development Convention at the Harare International Conference Centre on Sunday, August 31. The gathering was held under the theme, “Enhancing and Building Partnerships for Young Women Towards Vision 2030.”
The Zimbabwean leader described young women involved in the organisation as committed citizens with the potential to lead enterprise growth and contribute to national development. 
“Today, on 31 August 2026, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging with the inspiring Young Women for Economic Development (ED),” Mnangagwa said.
“Their hard work and absolute commitment are proof that our nation is rich with women of substance. Through this organization, we are witnessing the rise of a new generation of leaders grounded in deep patriotism and a heart for servant leadership.”
He said grassroots mobilisation should be supported through strategic government interventions, including access to finance, training and markets.
“Through the Presidential Empowerment Fund, our government has actively opened doors for women to access both capital and viable markets. However, these empowerment facilities must be utilized with a strict, result-oriented approach,” said Mnangagwa.
The President said the Zimbabwean government was speeding up the rollout of empowerment programmes, including the Empowerment Fund, skills development initiatives, small and medium enterprise support, cooperative programmes and market access facilities.
“Under our current policies, women must make money and thrive. We are accelerating the rollout of national empowerment programmes, and I challenge our young women to boldly take up opportunities in producing high-quality Zimbabwean goods and services,” he said.
Mnangagwa also urged citizens to strengthen social support systems in communities to reduce drug and substance abuse, which he said threatened the wellbeing and productivity of young people.
“Finally, economic growth requires a healthy social fabric. I urge all Zimbabweans to provide strong social support within their communities to drastically reduce the cases and devastating effects of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Let us stand together in unity, discipline, patriotism, respect, and loyalty to build the Zimbabwe we want.”
The President further called on women to support victims of social challenges in their communities through psychosocial support, peer education, mental health education and mentorship.
