Roseline Mutare
Prominent businessman and Chairman of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, has called on Zimbabwean youth to take centre stage in the country’s development journey through land ownership and economic empowerment.
Dr Tagwirei made the call during a high-profile event at Masvingo Polytechnic College, where he was joined by senior government officials, including Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Yeukai Simbanegavi and Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province.
In delivering his remarks, Tagwirei said land ownership is key to unlocking prosperity and generational wealth.
“A person who owns land holds the keys to prosperity, agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s growth,” he said.
Dr Tagwirei forecasts that by 2050, the agricultural sector could propel Zimbabwe’s GDP to approximately $153 billion, significantly above the current figures. He outlined an ambitious vision for Zimbabwe, termed “Wakanda 2050,” which integrates advancements in agriculture, innovative technologies, mining, and energy generation. This comprehensive development strategy anticipates a national GDP exceeding $70 billion.
Deputy Minister Yeukai Simbanegavi echoed the sentiments expressed by Dr. Tagwirei, stressing that true youth empowerment hinges on access to land, control over it, and the power it brings. She underscored the necessity of grasping constitutional provisions, particularly those related to gender equality and youth inclusion, as crucial in shaping land-related policies. Additionally, the Minister announced a new government initiative that allows for the valuation of offer letters and permits, making them bankable. This development will enable young people to utilize their land documents as a means to secure financial capital.
Minister Chadzamira underscored the pivotal significance of land tenure systems in fostering economic development and catalyzing rural transformation. He articulated that secure land tenure is a prerequisite for achieving socio-economic advancements. The minister praised the government’s initiatives, such as the issuance of title deeds, which not only reinforce property rights but also unlock investment prospects and enhance food security metrics.
The event attracted a prominent assembly of senior government officials and ZANU PF representatives, providing a forum for substantive discussions on critical policy frameworks concerning land tenure Simbanegavi lauded Dr. Tagwirei’s initiatives aimed at equipping the youth with essential insights into land ownership structures, tenure concepts, and strategies for economic empowerment.
As Zimbabwe prepares to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, Dr. Tagwirei, along with government officials, emphasized the importance of land reform policies designed to fit local socioeconomic circumstances and dynamics. Since Masvingo Province has country’s largest water bodies, stakeholders encouraged youth to engage actively in agribusiness and rural enterprises. They highlighted the government’s dedication to empowering young people through strategic land redistribution initiatives.
