President Hakainde Hichilema says young people remain a key driver of the country’s economic transformation agenda, adding that government is determined to support their ambitions so that they can realise their full potential.
President Hichilema noted that youths should be regarded as leaders of today rather than tomorrow, stressing the importance of continued government interventions aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Speaking during the 2026 National Youth Indaba in Lusaka today, the Head of State encouraged young people to take an active role in contributing to the country’s development.
He stated that government has created an enabling environment for young people to innovate and start business ventures at a young age.
“Indeed we have taken the interest of the youths as central to the development and leadership of the country,” he said.
The President further explained that the time has come for young people to demonstrate patriotism by promoting the country through entrepreneurship and contributing to Zambia’s prosperity.
“This 2026 national youth Indaba is the time to reflect as the country to empower youths with entrepreneurship, to this end, your government has made a decision to ensure 20 percent of loans in institutions such as CEEC goes to youths,” he said.
Mr Hichilema urged youths to utilise their youthful years responsibly by investing within the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
He said there was no logic for young people to spend time working in countries such as America when they can build and invest in Zambia and across Africa.
The President added that government continues to invest in the youth through the provision of quality education, describing education as the best equaliser and a critical investment.
He disclosed that government has proposed to turn the free education policy into law in order to guarantee its sustainability.
Mr Hichilema further said government has resolved to expand internship programmes across ministries and quasi-government institutions so that more youths can gain work experience and eventually secure employment.
And the President announced that government will appoint focal persons at constituency level to help young people access Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources and other social safety nets.
He explained that the initiative is meant to ensure that more youths benefit from CDF and establish businesses that contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
The Head of State also clarified that most of the jobs created in sectors such as education, health and defence have largely benefited young people.
He further urged youths to exercise their democratic rights responsibly by voting wisely in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for August.
The President has also urged youths to respect elders and uphold high moral principles.
On the issue of Bill Seven and the recent constitutional amendment, the President said the reforms will lead to an increased representation of youths, women and persons with disabilities in Parliament.
“So be assured that because of the constitutional amendments we undertook, I can assure you that more seats will be created in Parliament,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu commended President Hichilema for consistently engaging young people on matters affecting them.
Mr Nkandu said government, through his ministry, remains committed to rolling out empowerment and entrepreneurship programmes for youths.
He added that since the UPND administration came into power, government has been providing skills development opportunities and scholarships to young people.
The minister further revealed that his ministry has secured hectares of land in several parts of the country to enable young people to venture into agricultural activities.
And Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said his ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts to promote digital innovation among young people.
Earlier, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the UN’s continued collaboration with the Zambian government in implementing youth mentorship programmes.
In a vote of thanks, United Nations youth Ambassador, James Muleya commended government for engaging youths on matters of national development.
