The much-anticipated Ya FM Career Fair 2025 officially opened its gates this morning at Gresham Grounds, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of students, recent graduates, and job seekers eager to chart their career paths in a nation grappling with economic challenges. The event, buzzing with energy and optimism, has quickly established itself as a pivotal platform for connecting Zimbabwe’s youth with educational and professional opportunities, addressing the pressing need for employment in a country where unemployment remains a significant hurdle.
The fair features an impressive lineup of exhibitors, including representatives from primary schools, universities, vocational training centers, and key government institutions. High school students meander through the stalls, gathering information on their next academic steps, while university aspirants engage with representatives from esteemed institutions like Gwanda State University and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to explore degree programs, scholarship opportunities, and career prospects. Vocational training providers are also present, offering insights into practical skills development—an essential avenue in a nation where informal employment dominates.
Ya FM Chairman Munyaradzi Hove, underscored the event’s broader significance during his opening address. “This career fair is more than just a showcase of opportunities—it’s a bold step toward building the future of our region by confronting unemployment head-on,” Hove declared.
His words resonate deeply in a country where, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) 2022 Population and Housing Census, the population stands at 15,178,979, with 48% male (7,289,558) and 52% female (7,889,421). Notably, the census revealed that 61.4% of the population is under 25 years old—a youthful demographic brimming with potential yet facing limited formal job prospects. With agriculture, forestry, and fishing employing 37.2% of the workforce (as per the 2022 Living Conditions Monitoring Survey), and a staggering 92% of the labor force operating in the informal sector (BTI 2024 Zimbabwe Country Report), the need for structured career pathways is more urgent than ever.
The fair’s relevance is further highlighted by global employment trends. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 reported a global unemployment rate of 5.1% in 2023, projected to rise slightly to 5.2% in 2024 due to economic uncertainties and climate-related disruptions.
In contrast, Zimbabwe’s unemployment rate, while contentious due to varying definitions, is estimated by independent economists to hover between 85% and 90% when excluding informal sector workers (BTI 2024). The ILO survey also noted that Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe, faces a persistent jobs gap, with youth unemployment remaining a critical challenge. Events like the Ya FM Career Fair are thus vital bridges, linking young Zimbabweans to opportunities that can shift them from informal subsistence to stable, formal employment.
Among the standout exhibitors are government departments and agencies such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). These institutions are engaging directly with attendees, discussing job openings and the skills required to join the uniformed services or public sector—a rare chance for job seekers to interact face-to-face with potential employers. Representatives from NSSA are emphasizing their role in social protection, appealing to those interested in disciplined services. Meanwhile, universities like Gwanda State and NUST are showcasing programs tailored to Zimbabwe’s economic needs, such as mining, engineering, and technology—sectors poised to drive growth amid the country’s rich mineral reserves and ongoing infrastructure demands.
For high school students, the fair offers a glimpse into their future. Primary school exhibitors like Erymaple are also present, engaging younger attendees and their parents to emphasize the importance of early education as a foundation for long-term success. This holistic approach aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, which aims to transition the economy toward upper-middle-income status by 2030, partly through formalizing employment and enhancing skills training.
The timing of the Ya FM Career Fair could not be more critical. The 2022 census data revealed stark gender disparities, with females comprising 52% of the population yet facing a higher unemployment rate (14.9%) compared to males (11.5%), according to the 2022 Living Conditions Monitoring Survey. Career fairs like this one provide a platform to address such inequalities by offering women and girls equal access to information and opportunities. Moreover, with 60% of Zimbabweans living below the national poverty line—78.8% in rural areas versus 31.9% in urban centers—the event’s focus on education and job creation is a lifeline for communities desperate to break the cycle of poverty.
The presence of diverse stakeholders—from educational institutions to government bodies—underscores the collaborative effort needed to tackle Zimbabwe’s unemployment crisis. Globally, the ILO’s 2024 survey emphasized that career guidance and skills development initiatives, such as job fairs, are instrumental in reducing unemployment, particularly among youth. For Zimbabwe, where the labor force participation rate climbed to 48% in Q1 2024 (ZIMSTAT Labour Force Survey), yet 83.4% of employed persons earn less than US$362 monthly, this event is a beacon of hope.
In a nation where economic growth is projected to recover to 6% in 2025 (World Bank), the Ya FM Career Fair 2025 is a sign of community-driven resilience. By equipping attendees with knowledge, connections, and inspiration, it lays the groundwork for a future where the Great Dyke’s youth can thrive—not just survive—in an evolving job market. As Munyaradzi Hove aptly put it, this is about more than jobs; it’s about forging a prosperous tomorrow for an entire region.
