An Evaluation Of The Impact Of MacroEconomic Programmes In Addressing Educated Youth Unemployment In Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the impact of nine macro-economic programmes/blueprints crafted by the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) since attaining independence in 1980 to achieve economic growth which would address unemployment among educated youths. The unit of analysis (respondents) were policy-makers operating at national level drawn from government, politics and training institutions such as colleges and universities. The research was quantitative and qualitative in nature. Data was collected using self-completing questionnaires and face-to-face in-depth interviews with key informants. The study found out that six of the nine macro-economic policies did not achieve the desired impact in addressing the problem of high unemployment among educated youths since the number of unemployed educated youths continued growing. The study recommended broad-based consultation with stakeholders during the crafting stage of macroeconomic policies. Formative evaluation and appointing accountable committees/officers to drive clearly defined deliverables based on clear timelines was also recommended together with crafting investor-friendly policies, stamping out of corruption and implementation of curriculum reforms to achieve a balance between theory and practice in higher education