Stories

Youth Reflections from the 1st Youth Public Finance Indaba 2025 : Strengthening Systems, Securing the Future

By Stacey Gwati

“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth” ~ Diogenes

The inaugural Youth Public Finance Indaba 2025 underscored the growing commitment of Youth Accountability Initiative Africa to advancing meaningful youth participation in Public Finance Management (PFM). Held over two days, the Indaba provided an engaging and transformative platform that deepened participants’ understanding of public finance, governance and the critical role of young people in accountability processes.

A central highlight of the Indaba was the exploration of the constitutional principles guiding Public Finance Management as outlined in Section 298 of Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution. These principles emphasized by Honourable Corban Madzivanyika highlighted the need for transparency, accountability and the prudent use of public resources for national development, with particular attention to marginalized groups and communities. The discussions demonstrated how poorly designed or weak systems can perpetuate inequality, disadvantaging vulnerable populations and entrenching systemic oppression. It became evident that Zimbabwe’s fight against corruption and abuse of public resources requires strong, well-structured systems rather than reliance on individual integrity alone.

This perspective was further reinforced through reflections shared by Munashe Masiyiwa on Brian Klaas’s book Corruptible. The book challenges the simplistic notion that “power corrupts,” arguing that corruptible individuals are often drawn to power and that power itself can fundamentally alter behaviour. Klaas’s work emphasizes the necessity of resilient institutional frameworks with effective checks and balances to limit abuse, shifting the focus from personalities to systems. This insight resonated strongly with the broader conversations at the Indaba on governance reform and institutional accountability.

The Indaba also adopted an interactive and participatory approach, incorporating team-based problem-solving exercises and educational games. These activities fostered collaboration, critical thinking and effective communication among participants, while creating a supportive environment for open dialogue and idea exchange.

Among the key policy issues discussed were Zimbabwe’s challenges in the disbursement, management and allocation of public funds. Honourable Caston Matewu highlighted the oversight role of Parliament in holding public officials accountable, particularly through mechanisms such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Building on these discussions, Youth Accountability Initiative Africa facilitated collaborative sessions where participants explored alternative, youth-driven solutions to Zimbabwe’s fiscal challenges, all grounded in constitutional principles of Public Finance Management.

As echoed by Honourable Stanley Sakupwanya and Honourable Richard Tsvangirai, the burdens and benefits of resource use must be shared equitably between present and future generations. This principle underscores the responsibility of young people to actively demand transparent, equitable and sustainable public finance systems. The 1st Youth Public Finance Indaba 2025 thus served not only as a learning space but as a call to action ,empowering youth to become informed advocates for accountability, justice, and long-term national development.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position, policies, or views of the Youth Accountability Initiative (YAI), its partners, or affiliated institutions. Any references to individuals, publications, or public officials are for contextual and educational purposes only. YAI does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party statements cited, and the content is intended solely to promote public dialogue, learning, and youth engagement in public finance accountability and governance.