Disability Youth Advocacy Network In Zimbabwe

05/05/2026

DYANZ at ZITF 2026: Inclusion, Opportunity, and a Bigger Future 🌍♿

DYANZ was honoured to participate in the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which was officially opened by His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of Botswana, alongside His Excellency Dr. ED Mnangagwa and his team. This year’s fair reminded us that connected economies and inclusive industries must also mean connected people, including youth with disabilities (https://lnkd.in/dfpMvAyd).

For DYANZ, the biggest value of ZITF was not only visibility but also access to networks, ideas, partnerships, and markets. The launch of the US$1 million (https://lnkd.in/dkg-uQjv) Youth Economic Empowerment Fund at ZITF 2026 also sent a powerful message: when young people are trusted and funded, they build the future.

At DYANZ, we believe that the same energy must reach young people with disabilities. Every donation to youth development should also open space for YWD entrepreneurship, skills training, access to markets, and business mentorship. Inclusion is not charity; it is smart development (https://www.dyanz.org).

To Zimbabwe, the disability community, and the world: If we want growth that lasts, then no young person should be left outside the table of trade, innovation, and opportunity. DYANZ remains committed to ensuring that youth with disabilities are not only present but also active contributors to national and global development.

Special thanks to for funding DYANZ’s participation and enabling our presence at ZITF 2026. Your support continues to open doors for meaningful inclusion and impact.

















# Africa Disability

01/05/2026

🛠️ Workers’ Day: Redefining "Ability" in the Global Workforce

The world of work is changing, but is it changing for everyone? 🌍

On this International Workers’ Day, Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ) stands at the global forefront of a labour revolution. We aren't just celebrating work; we are demanding a seat at the professional table for the millions of brilliant minds currently sidelined by outdated infrastructure and welfarist attitudes.

💡 The Blueprint for a Transformative Workforce

Economic development is impossible without the full participation of youths with disabilities. At DYANZ, we are moving beyond mere "employment" toward sustainable economic empowerment:

From Welfare to Worth: We reject the "charity model" and embrace a human rights-based approach to professional inclusion.

Livelihood Mastery: We provide advanced livelihood skills to youth (ages 18-35) to ensure they become self-sustaining contributors to the national and global economies.

Policy into Practice: Under the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025, we are making workplace equity a legal requirement, not a corporate favour.

🤝 A Global Call to Action

To the CEOs, policymakers, and innovators across the globe: Inclusion is the ultimate engine of innovation. When you hire based on ability—not convention—you unlock perspectives that solve world-class problems.

Our vision is a Zimbabwe and a world where "different but not less" is the gold standard of every corporate culture.

📩 Connect with the Movement

We invite partners, donors, and organisations to join us in building a truly inclusive future.

Official Correspondence: [email protected]
Chairperson’s Office: [email protected]
Website: http://dyanz.org/
Phone: +263 777 122 150 | +263 776 781 515
Follow us: Facebook | LinkedIn

Together, we work. Together, we empower. Together, we lead. 🇿🇼💪

03/04/2026

He is risen! This Easter, DYANZ celebrates the ultimate comeback story. ✝️🌅

From empty tomb to eternal hope—Easter is not just a holiday. It is resurrection power that rewrote history, crushed death, and launched the greatest movement in 2,000 years. Jesus did not just rise; He redefined impossible.

John 16:33 hits different this Holy Week:

"In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

For DYANZ's 1000+ Youths with Disabilities across Zimbabwe—this is OUR verse.

1. When society says "limited," Jesus says "limitless."

2. When doctors pronounce finality, Easter whispers "new beginnings."

3. When barriers block paths, the empty tomb declares "barriers broken."

Easter matters because:

1. God sees the unseen—your wheelchair, diagnosis, "disability" is His canvas for miracles

2. Jesus validates struggle—He bore every rejection, so no YWD feels alone

3. Resurrection = restoration—DYANZ turns "can't" into entrepreneurs, advocates, leaders

This Easter, as 2.4B Christians celebrate, DYANZ asks the world: What dead situation needs your resurrection faith today?

From Harare to Heaven—hope rises.

Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe

21/03/2026

20/03/2026

🌍 Breaking Barriers: A New Era for Disability Rights in Zimbabwe!
History is not just written in books; it is written in the rooms where policy meets passion. ✍️

I am still electrified by the energy at the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for the National Disability Policy First Quarter Meeting held recently at Macheke Lodges. Kudos to the Livelihood and Skills Development Officer for DYANZ, Gamuchirai Gatsi. She contributed to a dialogue aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape for youths with disabilities across Zimbabwe.

⚖️ From Welfare to Human Rights
For too long, disability has been viewed through a lens of charity. At Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ), we are leading the charge to shift that narrative toward a human rights-based approach.

This meeting was a pivotal moment for this transition, featuring:
Legislative Milestones: Deep-dive sessions on the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act [Chapter 17:31] of 2025.
Strategic Alignment: Critical analysis of how this Act aligns with the Africa Disability Protocol and the National Disability Policy.

Inclusive Governance: Direct engagement between Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to track real progress.

🚀 Why This Matters
Our mission is simple yet profound: Different but not less. We aren't just looking for a seat at the table; we are building the table.
Through our work, we:
Lobby for inclusion in governance and economic development.

Empower youth (ages 18-35) with self-sustaining livelihood skills.

Foster a sense of responsibility and capacity among young leaders with disabilities.

🤝 Join the Movement
True inclusion requires radical accountability and teamwork. We are looking for partners, visionaries, and allies to help us build a Zimbabwe where empowerment is not just a buzzword—it is a reality.

How to connect with us:
📧 Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] 🌐 Website: http://dyanz.org/
📞 Phone: +263 777 122 150 | +263 776 781 515

Let us stop talking about the future and start building it. Together, we are empowering abilities and ensuring no youth is left behind. 🇿🇼✨

17/03/2026

Empowering Women, Amplifying Inclusion: DYANZ at IWD Bindura 2026! 🌍♿👩‍🔬

Thrilled to share DYANZ's pivotal role at Zimbabwe's official International Women's Day in Bindura—hosted at Chipadze High School. As global celebrations marked 8 March, our team championed gender equality and disability + inclusion amid 500+ voices.

Highlights from Minister Monica Mutsvangwa's keynote (Guest of Honour):
Women's economic surge via SMEs (UNFPA, Gender Commission exhibits)
Girl child education + zero discrimination.

Rural-urban empowerment blueprint

DYANZ spotlighted intersectional wins: Exhibitions fused women-led businesses with disability advocacy and networked with NAC, ZCC, NASCOH, SAYWHAT, and Action Aid—uniting for tech-driven inclusion.
Our Bold Recs Echoed Nationwide:
- Disability-aware training
- Accessible venues/digital
- Mentorship for women w/ disabilities
- Policy lobbies for social protection
This Bindura powerhouse—supported by the government, traditional leaders, and youth—reaffirmed women's $13T GDP potential. DYANZ's 300+ YWD entrepreneurs are proof: Inclusion = sustainable development.
Kudos to GOZ, partners, and Rachel Matenga (MD DYANZ) for steering this. Zimbabwe leads Africa!

Global allies: How is YOUR IWD driving intersectionality? Share below—let us collaborate! 👇





# gender equality

09/03/2026

Proud waves from DYANZ: Youths with Disabilities conquering business! 🚀 ♿ 💼

As Chairman & Founder of Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ), I am thrilled to spotlight James Mutisi—our shining star from Mutare. At the recent Harare Youth Symposium, James scooped a top award + cash from His Excellency Dr. ED Mnangagwa. Smart move: he invested every cent in expanding Jimwella Piggery (Large White, Duroc, and Landrace breeds since 2023).

Milestones unlocked: Self-reliance achieved. From piggery to future butchery, sausages, and bacon—disability is NO barrier.
Kudos to HE Mnangagwa, Minister Tino Machakaire, the Ministry of Youth, the President's Disability Advisory Office, (our rockstar sponsor), and all partners.

You have turbocharged DYANZ's Business & Livelihood Skills Dept—empowering 400+ YWD grassroots entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to promote self-sustainability, ultimately reducing dependence on disability budgets and facilitating the establishment of future emergency funds to be sourced from the proceeds and surpluses generated by individuals with disabilities.

Zimbabweans, region, WORLD: Join this groundbreaking journey! Support DYANZ in scaling the YWDs' projects and Jimwella Piggery's expansion. His Excellency, his team, cmbglobal, and believed in us—let us deliver generational wealth.
Who is in? Tag a funder, and share your empowerment win below! 👇












Michael Masunda
Chairman & Founder, DYANZ

09/03/2026

Proud waves from DYANZ: Youths with Disabilities conquering business! 🚀 ♿ 💼

As Chairman & Founder of Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ), I am thrilled to spotlight James Mutisi—our shining star from Mutare. At the recent Harare Youth Symposium, James scooped a top award + cash from His Excellency Dr. ED Mnangagwa. Smart move: he invested every cent in expanding Jimwella Piggery (Large White, Duroc, and Landrace breeds since 2023).

Milestones unlocked: Self-reliance achieved. From piggery to future butchery, sausages, and bacon—disability is NO barrier.

Kudos to HE Mnangagwa, Minister Tino Machakaire, the Ministry of Youth, the President's Disability Advisory Office, (our rockstar sponsor), and all partners.

You have turbocharged DYANZ's Business & Livelihood Skills Dept—empowering 400+ YWD grassroots entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to promote self-sustainability, ultimately reducing dependence on disability budgets and facilitating the establishment of future emergency funds to be sourced from the proceeds and surpluses generated by individuals with disabilities.

Zimbabweans, region, WORLD: Join this groundbreaking journey! Support DYANZ in scaling the YWDs' projects and Jimwella Piggery's expansion. His Excellency, his team, cmbglobal, and believed in us—let us deliver generational wealth.

Who is in? Tag a funder, and share your empowerment win below! 👇












Michael Masunda
Chairman & Founder, DYANZ

Call now to connect with business.

07/03/2026

Epic win at Zimbabwe National Youth Day in Marondera: DYANZ fielded 21 Youths with Disabilities—fully funded by hashtag ! 🇿🇼♿✨

As Chairperson of the Disability Youth Advocacy Network in Zimbabwe (DYANZ), witnessing these trailblazers own the stage was pure fire. From policy debates to talent showcases, they flipped narratives and ignited change.
2026 Focus: "Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development"—how our youths shone & benefited:
1️⃣ Leadership Surge: 21 advocates mastered public speaking; 80% reported a confidence boost for future roles.
2️⃣ Policy Voice: Pitched inclusive SDGs directly to ministers—securing nods for accessible education quotas.
3️⃣ Network Explosion: Lifelong bonds with 500+ peers; one youth landed a mentorship on the spot.

Kudos to execs, partners, and every participant who poured heart into this platform. Your backing turned dreams into action—empowering a generation.

This is disability inclusion at scale: from Marondera fields to global SDGs, DYANZ proves that youth with disabilities are the world's untapped force.

Inclusion champions: What is YOUR 2026 youth empowerment play?

26/02/2026

What if the blueprint for a billion-dollar future was hiding in plain sight? 🌍 ♿

Today, the Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ) did not just attend a workshop. We co-created the roadmap for an inclusive Africa.

Proud to team with DYANZ on the 17 February 2026 ADP Review Workshop, where we moved from policy to power. We gathered with government, civil society, and most importantly, the unstoppable youth of Zimbabwe to turn the African Disability Protocol into a lived reality.

The Impact Gems we are taking back to the office:
1️⃣ From Policy to Pavement: We are done with paper promises. We locked in concrete strategies to align Zimbabwe's new Persons with Disabilities Act with the ADP, ensuring legal frameworks translate into accessible public transport and tech innovation for all.

2️⃣ Youth Are Not Just Beneficiaries, They Are the Board: Huge shoutout to the DYANZ delegation—McDonald Munganasa, VSG, and the brilliant Gamuchirai Gatsi (Livelihood Skills & Development)—whose voices reminded us that economic independence is the ultimate empowerment. When a youth with a disability earns a living, they do not just survive; they thrive.

3️⃣ The Power of "AND": We shattered silos. We discussed how to tackle harmful practices AND build AI-driven assistive tech. How to secure disability-responsive budgeting AND run leadership camps. This is not just social justice; it is the $1 trillion GDP boost the global economy is missing.

A special, heartfelt thank you to , our all-weather partner. Your unwavering support ensures no one is left behind. And to Paul Gumbo, Rachel Matenga (Director), and the entire team—your leadership lights the way.

This is not charity. It is the single highest-return investment the world can make. We are building a future where "different but not less" is just the starting point.

Fellow changemakers, I see you in the comments.
What is one outdated assumption about disability that you are ready to challenge and change? Let us swap strategies below! 👇










Masters Official