Vice-President Mutale Nalumango has urged policymakers to equip Zambian youths with the necessary tools and resources to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. Speaking during the inaugural Committee of Ministers meeting on youth development in Zambia on Tuesday, Vice-President Nalumango emphasized that youth empowerment is not just a social obligation but an economic necessity.
She highlighted the importance of supporting young people to drive innovation, contribute to economic growth, and foster sustainability. Addressing the gathering, she acknowledged that unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the youth, requiring a multi-faceted approach from policymakers.
“Our young people are eager to engage, learn, and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. Therefore, as policymakers, we must ensure that the youth have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,” said Vice-President Nalumango.
She stressed that addressing youth unemployment requires collaboration across various sectors to implement policies that promote entrepreneurship, skills development, and job creation. She called for stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and development organizations to create sustainable opportunities for young people.
Vice-President Nalumango’s remarks come at a time when youth unemployment continues to be a pressing issue in Zambia, with many young people struggling to secure stable employment despite their skills and qualifications. The government has been working on various youth empowerment programs, but challenges remain in ensuring their effective implementation and accessibility.
The meeting marked an important step in prioritizing youth development at the highest levels of policymaking. As Zambia moves forward, the call for action remains clear: investing in young people is crucial for the nation’s economic prosperity and long-term sustainability.