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Exploring the Contribution of Non-profitsin Promoting Youth Employment andLivelihoods in Zimbabwe

Keywords:
Non-profit sector, Youth employment, Dignified and fulfilling work, Civil society organizations (CSOs), Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Informal economy, Skills development, Entrepreneurship, Zimbabwe, Eleanor Meda Chipeta, Southern Africa, CAPSI, Mastercard Foundation, Economic empowerment, Livelihoods, Vocational training, Policy advocacy, Volunteerism, Youth-focused organisations, Social protection
Document details:
Copyright:
Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
Year:
2025
Document Number:
CAPSI.2025/LR6
Availability:
Web-Only
Pages:
36
Publication Date:
2025-05-01
Series:
Research Reports
DOI:

http://dx.doi.org/10.47019/CAPSI.2025/LR6

Abstract:
livelihoods in Zimbabwe. Conducted under the Mastercard Foundation–CAPSI partnership, the study investigates the extent to which non-profits contribute to the creation of dignified and fulfilling jobs for youth, especially those at the margins. Using a conceptual framework that defines the nonprofit sector and “dignified and fulfilling work,” the review draws from published and grey literature, with a focus on NGOs as a subset of CSOs. It finds that while the sector employs a small percentage of the labor force (around 1.2%), it significantly impacts youth livelihoods through both direct employment and indirect contributions such as skills development, training, and advocacy. Despite limitations such as project-based sustainability and insufficient economic data, the sector plays a crucial role in addressing structural inequalities and providing alternatives where state support is lacking. The report concludes that NGOs in Zimbabwe are essential actors in the youth employment ecosystem, offering both economic opportunities and a voice in policy processes, though more systematic impact measurement is needed.
Cite this Article:
Murisa, T. (2025). Exploring the Contribution of Non-profits in Promoting Youth Employment and Livelihoods in Zimbabwe: A Literature Review (Report No. LR6). Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment. http://dx.doi.org/10.47019/CAPSI.2025/LR6
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An automotive pioneer, philanthropist, and leader in the community, Charles Stewart Mott cared about innovation, fairness, and communities. By working toward a world where each individual’s quality of life is connected to the well-being of the community, both locally and globally, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation continues this legacy.

A founding funder of the Centre, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation supported the establishment of the Chair and continues to support our programmes.

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