CHIVI Central legislator Exevia Maoneke (centre) has hailed the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo of Zimbabwe (SCEEZ) as a platform for transforming young people’s talents into sustainable economic opportunities.
Maoneke attended the official commissioning of the expo at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo on Thursday, where policymakers, investors and players in the creative and sporting industries gathered to explore opportunities for growth.
The expo sought to position sports and the creative economy as important contributors to Zimbabwe’s economic development, with opportunities spanning music, film, fine arts and sport.
Maoneke said investment in these sectors could create employment, promote entrepreneurship and expand opportunities for young people in both rural and urban communities.
He said the initiative was particularly relevant to constituencies such as Chivi Central, where young people could benefit from structured opportunities to commercialise their talents rather than relying on limited conventional employment opportunities.
“The creative economy and sport have enormous potential to empower our young people, create jobs and contribute to national development. We must create an environment where talent is recognised, nurtured and transformed into sustainable livelihoods,” Maoneke said.
He said the expo provided an opportunity for local talent to connect with investors, policymakers and potential markets, helping to build viable enterprises around Zimbabwe's cultural heritage and sporting potential.
Maoneke added that empowering young people through sport and the creative arts could also contribute to social development by providing constructive avenues for self-expression, discipline and community participation.
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“Engaging young people in productive activities is important not only for economic development but also for building safer and more cohesive communities,” he said.
“Sport and the arts can help keep young people meaningfully occupied while promoting unity, discipline and a sense of belonging.”
The legislator said the initiative aligned with the country's broader development ambitions under Vision 2030 and the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
He said rural communities should also benefit from the emerging creative economy through improved access to training, investment, markets and opportunities to showcase local talent. The formalisation of the creative and sporting sectors could open opportunities for young entrepreneurs, performers, filmmakers, artists and athletes to generate income while contributing to Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and economic growth.
The commissioning of SCEEZ places renewed attention on the potential of sports and creative industries as avenues for youth empowerment, enterprise development and employment creation.
