ZIMBABWE’s mineral wealth is central to the country and to global ambitions for a clean energy future.
This was said by Tatenda Mapooze, Mining and Minerals Technical Officer at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), at the Zimbabwe 2025 Youth Symposium for the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba being held in Bulawayo.
The event is running under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Just and Sustainable Mining Future: Driving Inclusive Growth in the Just Energy Transition.”
Mr Mapooze said the symposium marks a pivotal moment for the youth of Zimbabwe, as they engage in vital discussions about the future of the country’s mining sector.
“This is a platform where youth leaders claim agency in mineral governance and in the just energy transition,” he said. Young people can bridge opportunity gaps, identifying decent work, entrepreneurship, and innovation pathways in responsible mining.
“The platform offers room for young people to engage with the Mines and Minerals Bill to shape reforms that ensure inclusion, equity, and sustainability.
“Let this symposium be a laboratory for bold ideas, network fiercely, debate passionately, and draft recommendations that are both visionary and actionable,” Mr Mapooze said.
He concluded his speech by saying young people should utilise the symposium to create partnerships, bold ideas, and clear demands that place young people at the heart of Zimbabwe’s mineral value chain and global mineral transition.
The event was organised by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), and the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD).
