President Hichilema extols young people

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. “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.

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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.

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