14th March, 2026
Happy Youth Day to all our fellow young people across the country and beyond! The youth cohort, comprising individuals between 19 and 35 years, forms a vital backbone of Zambia’s labour force and that of the entire African continent.
According to the 2023 Census projection, estimates indicate 5.37 million youths, and approximately 80% of Zambia’s population is under the age of 35. This youthful period in the life of an individual is very crucial, and even the Bible guides and teaches us to be responsible because we shall be accountable for all our actions, and it is the period one has to make the most of the time because youth is temporary. According to the Bible verses instructing youths to enjoy and be happy while one is young are Ecclesiastes 11:9, which says: “So young people, enjoy yourselves while you are young. Be happy. Do whatever your heart leads you to do. Do whatever you want, but remember that God will judge you for everything you do”. And Ecclesiastes 12:1, which advises: “Remember your Creator while you are young, before the bad times come – before the years come when you say, “I have wasted my life”.
In addition, all the youths should familiarize themselves with the relevant statutes that prescribe acceptable behaviour and values, such as Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, which outlines the national values and principles, including morality and ethics, patriotism, national unity, democracy, constitutionalism, human dignity, equity, social justice, equality, non-discrimination, good governance, integrity, and sustainable development. Notably, youths should also familiarize themselves with the national symbols and the procedures for respecting them, including the National Flag and Armorial Ensigns Act, 1965 which regulates the use of Zambia’s national symbols, including the national flag, the President’s Standard, and the Coat of Arms. The Act strictly prohibits improper, insulting, or unauthorized commercial use of these symbols, and is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Every youth countrywide must know how to sing fluently the ‘Zambia National Anthem’ because it symbolizes national pride, loyalty, and patriotism towards mother Zambia. Arguably, musicians should also consider producing more songs that emphasizes national values and youth participation in economic activities for sustainable development and smooth generational succession plan at national level.
It is therefore gratifying to note that the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has launched a comprehensive 2,000 youth internship programme aimed at integrating young people into the labour market nationwide. Announced at the 2026 Youth Indaba, the programme seeks to provide work experience and combat unemployment by creating 2,000 internship opportunities across government and quasi-government institutions, including State House.
As young Zambians committed to youth empowerment and community development, we strongly welcome the introduction of the 2,000 Youth Internship Programme. This initiative represents an important step toward addressing the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Zambia. Undeniably this programme will serve as a reliable bridge between education and employment by allowing youths to develop professional skills, work ethics, and confidence in real working environments.
This initiative is poised to be a game-changer for Zambia’s economy and employee resourcing, enabling youths to contribute meaningfully to national development. This demographic intervention is crucial in preventing young people from being drawn into social behaviours that may lead to lifelong regrets, such as involvement in criminal activities or unhealthy practices.
The programme’s success hinges on transparent and accountable selection criteria, stakeholder engagement, and private sector participation. Notwithstanding, to ensure sustainability, fiscal incentives should be offered to private sector entities embracing the programme. The initiative should also be upscaled to 5,000 youths by 31st December 2026, using an impartial approach guided by equity, fairness and absorption capacity approaches.
Undoubtedly this initiative will empower Zambia’s young people and drive national development through, inter alia, gaining practical experience and building a strong foundation for their future careers. Furthermore, to upscale the programme and create more opportunities for Zambian youth, the country’s embassies abroad can play a vital role. “These diplomatic missions can serve as platforms for promoting the youth internship programme and attracting foreign investment and partnerships”. And by engaging with international organizations, businesses, and governments, Zambian embassies can help create pathways for young Zambians to access internship and job opportunities abroad. This will not only benefit the individuals involved but also contribute to the country’s economic growth through remittances and the transfer of skills and knowledge.
The youths under the internship programme should be easily recognized, and as such, it is important to issue them identity cards, provide discounts on public transport, and register them under the National Health Insurance Management Scheme for comprehensive health benefits.
The implementation of the youth internship programme is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the burden on households across the country. Thus, by providing young people with a steady income, the programme will enable them to support their families and contribute to their economic well-being. This, in turn, will help alleviate poverty and improve living standards, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth and development of Zambia.
The Republican President’s initiative is commendable, and its successful implementation will require collective effort from all stakeholders. It is imperative that Zambians support and upscale this programme for the benefit of all citizens. ”Let’s work together to make a difference for our Zambian youths and our nation.”
The article has been authored by the following:
– Chisanga Sheila Phiri, Economist and Data Analyst
– Vincent Sakala, President, NIPA Students Union
– Mapalo Mwila, Executive Director- Mr and Miss Youth international Zambia
– Catherine phiri, former WBC Bantamweight Champion, an inspiration for a girl child and advocate for ending early marriages in our communities through sports and farming.
– Gome Ng’ona, Youth Development Advocate, Educationist, Business Consultant.
– Dr. Kelvin Kamayoyo, Zambian economist and Researcher
– Anastasia B. Mandu, former Chairperson of the School of Law at ZAOU • Clarence Moonde Muzyamba, ZEHEST Executive Director/Founder and visionary Leader
