HH URGES YOUTH TO BUILD FUTURE IN ZAMBIA

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Posted by admin on March 6, 2026 at 9:12 AM

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President Hakainde Hichilema has called on young people to be intentional about building their future within Zambia rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the 2026 National Youth Indaba held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the President said Zambia should be seen as a land of opportunity where young people can grow businesses and contribute to national development.

“Young people should not view foreign countries as the ultimate dream, but instead focus on building their own empires here at home where opportunities exist,” he said.

The Head of State reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting youths through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship initiatives. “Education remains the best inheritance any young person can receive,” he said.

He added that government is expanding vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes to equip young people with practical skills needed for the job market.

President Hichilema also announced that interns will be placed across government institutions and parastatals to give young people practical experience.

He further disclosed that officers will be deployed in all constituencies to help young entrepreneurs refine and strengthen their project proposals, thereby improving the success rate of youth empowerment applications.

The President urged youths to reject political violence and division, calling on them to be patriotic ambassadors who promote Zambia positively to the international community.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis C. Nkandu said government is committed to ensuring that empowerment programmes translate into real opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

“We are working to transform Youth Resource Centres into vibrant hubs for skills development, entrepreneurship training, mentorship and life-skills programmes,” he said.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali emphasized that young people remain central to Zambia’s development.

“The United Nations continues to support youth-focused initiatives, including internship programmes, entrepreneurship support for youth-led enterprises and expanded life skills education,” she said.

United Nations Youth Delegate Jameson Muleya thanked government and partners for creating platforms that allow young people to engage directly with national leaders. “The National Youth Indaba demonstrates government’s commitment to placing young people at the centre of policy and decision making,” he said.

Muleya encouraged youths to turn the conversations held during the Indaba into real action in their communities.

The 2026 National Youth Indaba was held under the theme “Arise and Soar.”