Hon. Marian Chombo’s Skills Push Positions Mashonaland West at Heart of Vision 2030

By Elvis Dumba

The drive toward becoming an upper middle-income society by 2030, the main goal of Vision 2030, relies on widespread and focused skills development. In Mashonaland West Province, skills training is not just a social initiative; it is becoming a key economic necessity.

The programs led by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Marian Chombo, especially those aimed at young people and women, show a solid understanding of national development.

Prosperity must be built from the ground up, empowering communities one household at a time.

This community-centered and results-focused approach is proving to be the driving force that turns broad national goals into real economic gains and better livelihoods while staying true to the promise of “leaving no one and no place behind.”

Skills development addresses a pressing national need: a capable and flexible workforce to drive economic change.

Zimbabwe’s move toward upper middle-income status requires a shift from relying on primary resource extraction to producing value-added goods.

This change depends on technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills. Initiatives in partnership with organizations like the Tonganyika Trust illustrate this value.

They provide more than just certificates; they offer practical skills that can be used immediately and strengthen the provincial economy.

In Zvimba North, for example, driving lessons and licenses are already changing lives. Participants gain mobility, find opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors, and build a foundation to start small businesses.

These small interventions have far-reaching effects, boosting both provincial and national GDP growth.

At the heart of Vision 2030 is a commitment to inclusivity and reducing economic gaps.

The focus on young people and women in Mashonaland West highlights the need to unlock the potential of groups that have long been on the edges of formal economic growth.

Women, who make up a large part of the informal sector, gain economic independence when they obtain marketable skills.

For young people, these programs offer not only a livelihood but also a pathway to innovation.

By specifically targeting communities like Ward 17 in Zvimba North, government efforts are proactively addressing regional inequalities, ensuring that development spreads across all provinces.

This kind of equitable progress supports the province’s goal of becoming the “Best Province from the West.”

Skills development also fosters entrepreneurship.

A strong, job-creating private sector is crucial for Vision 2030.

Training that includes business management, financial literacy, and basic technology prepares participants not only to find jobs but also to create them.

Even something as simple as getting a driver’s license can open the door to starting a transport service, supporting farmers, miners, or traders, and boosting local commerce.

This shift from reliance on others to self-sufficiency is essential for building a strong and diverse provincial economy.

The path to Vision 2030 cannot be separated from the success of the Devolution agenda.

Mashonaland West’s ongoing efforts clearly demonstrate this alignment in action.

Under Hon. Chombo’s leadership, devolution helps provincial authorities adapt national development goals to local needs, build partnerships, and coordinate resources more effectively.

This responsiveness makes sure that national ambitions are tangible and relevant for ordinary citizens.

In the end, Zimbabwe’s progress toward becoming an upper middle-income society will depend on the collective achievement of its provinces.

That success relies on the skills, empowerment, and creativity of the people who live there.