Staff Reporter
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to increase the intake of Zimbabwean workers in Dubai from 10,000 to an unprecedented 100,000, citing the country’s strong work ethic and discipline.
Special Investment Advisor to the President, Paul Tungwarara spoke to the media yesterday on the initiative saying that the agreement is far more than a labour arrangement, positioning it as a platform for skills development, economic empowerment, and international exposure for Zimbabwean youth.
“This is more than a labour deal. It’s a pipeline for skills development and global exposure for our young people. Our youth will return home with enhanced capabilities and new ideas that can drive local industries forward,” said Tungwarara
Dr. Tungwarara added that the Government remains committed to inclusive development.
“This is just the beginning. Our focus is on building a resilient economy with a healthy population and empowered youth at its core,” he said.
The move dovetails with broader youth empowerment strategies under the Second Republic, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Among these efforts is the US$2 million Presidential Youth Fund, which has already begun distributing industrial equipment, such as tipper trucks and front-end loaders, to young entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe. The support is aimed at boosting youth-led start-ups in mining, construction, and logistics.
Commenting on the development, economic analyst TatendaMadzimure said the UAE partnership reflects a growing recognition of Zimbabwe’s human capital potential on the global stage.
“This is a huge vote of confidence in the Zimbabwean workforce. It not only opens up remittance channels, but also allows young Zimbabweans to gain experience in competitive markets and bring that expertise back home.
“It’s a strategic blend of exporting skills while investing in domestic capacity. It has a dual thrust of supporting entrepreneurship at home while creating opportunities abroad, it is designed to position youth at the centre of Zimbabwe’s economic revival,”said Madzimure
With thousands of Zimbabwean youths expected to benefit from both local and international initiatives, the Government hopes to create a self-reliant generation capable of leading the country’s economic transformation. The UAE labour deal is expected to roll out in phases, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Rwanda and Zimbabwe signed a MOU in December 2021 authorising the recruitment of Zimbabwean teachers to fill skills gaps in and language barriers in its education system. Furthermore, the work ethic demonstrated by Zimbabweans has been commended globally.
