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President Hakainde Hichilema giving his remarks at the Youth Indaba
Lusaka, Zambia - 14 March 2025 - President Hakainde Hichilema has called for young people across the country to embrace diligence, innovation, and discipline while steering clear of harmful activities such as drug abuse and violence. He said this during the Youth Day Commemoratory Indaba, which was organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Celebrated under the theme “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited” President Hichilema reiterated his government’s clear vision to double Zambia's economy, creating jobs and business opportunities for youths saying “we have introduced tailored policies to support youth empowerment, encouraging them to leverage initiatives in energy, agriculture, and other sectors to become innovative entrepreneurs. Our government is resolute in promoting the participation of marginalized groups, including women and youths, in Zambia's governance”. President Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing youth development and economic inclusion.
Speaking soon after the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. James Wakiaga who spoke on behalf of United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali urged quasi-government institutions and the private sector to expand internship and mentorship opportunities, fostering a supportive ecosystem for Zambia’s youths. “To our young people, I want to emphasize the importance of hard work, integrity, and responsible behavior. Let us unite in building a stronger Zambia, where young people’s dreams are nurtured and realized”.
The UN in Zambia said the Youth Indaba provided a critical platform to elevate youth voices, showcase innovation and discuss pressing issues affecting young people in Zambia. Ms Mutali, who also reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment and development in the country, commended Government for its steadfast leadership in prioritizing youth development. She called on the public and private sector stakeholders to create more opportunities that empower youth across various industries.
She emphasized that the presence of President Hakainde Hichilema at the Indaba was a testament to the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring their active participation in national development.
“This year’s Youth Week has demonstrated the energy, creativity, and determination of Zambia’s young people,” she said. She further noted, “from crucial discussions on mental health and drug abuse, to entrepreneurship fairs and environmental stewardship activities, we have seen firsthand the potential of youth-led solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.” She highlighted the progress made since the launch of Zambia’s updated National Youth Policy in 2024, which has catalyzed key youth development initiatives, including the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Youth, which has strengthened access to employment and economic opportunities for young people through initiatives such as the Internship, Volunteer, Apprenticeship, and Graduate (IVAG) Programme, the equipping of Youth Resource Centres, and the introduction of a Digital Platform for Youth, which was officially launched at the Indaba.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts digital portal is intended to connect young people to employment opportunities, information, productive resources and network to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all young Zambians including those in rural areas have opportunities despite their location.
Ms Mutali recognized that there is still a lot more that needs to be done particularly considering the rapid technological changes, climate change and the global economy demand, “as we celebrate these successes, we must also recognize that more needs to be done. The rapid changes in technology, climate, and the global economy demands that we continue equipping our youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive.”
The United Nations expressed its commitment to work alongside the Government of Zambia, private sector, civil society and youth to ensure that no young person is left behind in the development process. Ms Mutali called for youths to seize the opportunities presented at the Indaba to transform ideas into tangible solutions that drive sustainable development in Zambia.
