Empowering Zimbabwean Youth with Green Skills: The Green Jobs Boot Camp
Youth unemployment and environmental degradation are among Zimbabwe’s most urgent challenges. The European Union (EU), through its commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment, proudly supports the Green Jobs Boot Camp, an innovative initiative designed to equip young Zimbabweans with practical green skills that open pathways into the growing green economy.
The Boot Camp, organized by the Women’s Institute for Leadership and Development (WILD) in partnership with SAYWHAT and Save the Children, convened 25 motivated young people from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Beitbridge, and surrounding areas for a three-day intensive learning experience. This initiative is part of the EU-funded Youth Collective Action for Social Transformation (YCA4SoTra) project, which promotes youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship in climate-smart sectors.
Participants received hands-on training on diverse green economy topics, including renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, waste management, water conservation, and green business development. Sessions were led by inspiring local experts who shared their journeys and practical insights on creating viable green enterprises.
One standout contributor was Ntombifikile Ncube, a hydroponics farmer and innovator from Bulawayo. Ntombifikile highlighted hydroponics as a sustainable, space- and water-efficient farming method that offers significant opportunities for youth entrepreneurship and food security. She emphasized the importance of economic viability alongside environmental impact, urging participants to “green” existing businesses by redesigning products and services to be eco-friendly, rather than only starting new ventures. “A green business is smart for your wallet, community, and planet,” Ntombifikile said, encouraging youth to pursue projects that balance profit with sustainability.
Another powerful voice was Sinqobile Ndlovu, founder of Wezesha Industries, a social enterprise that transforms recyclable waste—such as opaque beer PET containers—into value-added products like sweeping brooms, cushions, and bean bags. Sinqobile underscored the importance of platforms like the Boot Camp in bridging knowledge gaps and equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to turn green ideas into competitive, viable businesses.
The Boot Camp also offered youth the opportunity to reflect on local environmental challenges and how green innovation can provide practical solutions. For instance, participants from border towns like Beitbridge recognized waste and litter as a significant issue but also identified it as an opportunity to generate income through recycling and waste management initiatives.
The diverse curriculum covered critical concepts such as the “3Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle), afforestation, renewable energy, water conservation, and environmental education and advocacy. This multi-faceted approach equips youth with a broad toolkit to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development.
The Green Jobs Boot Camp exemplifies the EU’s commitment to fostering a greener, more inclusive economy in Zimbabwe. By supporting youth-led green innovation and entrepreneurship, the EU is helping build a resilient generation capable of addressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
Source: Community Podium News
