Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, has issued a comprehensive message to Zambia’s young people, emphasizing the importance of education, skills development, and active engagement in national progress. He recognizes the contributions of youths in employment, entrepreneurship, and academic pursuits across universities, colleges, TEVETA centres, nursing schools, agricultural colleges, training institutes, and online learning platforms.
Musokotwane highlighted that investing in education and personal development is one of the most critical contributions a young person can make to their future and the nation’s growth. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, he encouraged youths to trust their journey, follow their curiosity, and remain attentive to opportunities for growth, reminding them that knowledge gained today connects the dots of tomorrow.
When the new dawn administration assumed office in 2021, Zambia faced significant economic and social challenges, including high inflation, poorly managed public finances, stalled industries, and strained social services. The government prioritized stabilizing the economy and restoring confidence for families, businesses, and communities.
Key reforms focused on improving fiscal discipline and accountability, including reducing unnecessary spending and wasteful expenditure, enforcing stronger public finance regulations, improving transparency in public accounts, and enhancing oversight in ministries and agencies. These measures have stabilized the economy, allowing families and businesses to plan effectively and creating space for youth-focused programs.
The government has reduced inflation rates, making prices more predictable and easing the pressure on households. Youth-led businesses also benefit from a more stable environment. Zambia successfully renegotiated debts under the G20 Common Framework, moving out of selective default and regaining investor confidence. This progress has enabled increased funding for education, health, and social services, alongside expanded opportunities for youth, farmers, SMEs, and cooperatives.
Expansion of mines has created jobs in engineering, ICT, construction, mechanics, and welding, while supporting SME growth in mining towns. Enhanced financing, irrigation, and livestock programmes strengthen food production and create opportunities for young farmers. Revived factories and agro-processing units demand skilled youth across engineering, accounting, ICT, and trades. Large solar and hydro projects improve electricity generation, reduce load-shedding, and support youth-led businesses.
Over 50,000 teachers have been recruited, free basic education implemented, student loans expanded, and skills-based programs enhanced. More than 20,000 health workers have been recruited, medicine supply improved, and facilities upgraded. Constituency Development Fund has grown from K1.6 million to over K40 million per constituency, supporting youth bursaries, cooperatives, skills training, community projects, and infrastructure.
Musokotwane encourages young people to complement government efforts by establishing small food gardens to improve nutrition and generate income, forming youth savings groups for microenterprise funding, starting low-cost businesses in services, trades, or agriculture, forming cooperatives for bulk buying, income generation, and support from government programs, and learning market-ready skills in ICT, solar installation, plumbing, welding, and mechanics.
The 2026 National Budget provides substantial youth empowerment programs, including 60% of public procurement tenders reserved for youth-owned companies, over K500 million in financing through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund, nationwide business training, capacity building, and market linkages, Smart Village livelihood programs with housing, infrastructure, and start-up support, creation of value chain clusters and formalization of MSMEs and cooperatives, and gender-responsive initiatives supporting young women.
Dr. Musokotwane emphasizes that Zambia’s future depends on its youth. He urges young people to pursue education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and community service while avoiding delinquency and unwise choices. By focusing on growth, innovation, and collective progress, Zambia’s youth can build strong families, resilient communities, and a prosperous nation.
He concludes with a message of unity and determination: rise together, build together, support one another, and move Zambia forward.