In a recent breakfast meeting held in Lusaka, stakeholders from government, the private sector, cooperating partners agencies, and UN sister agencies gathered to discuss strategies for youth empowerment. The event, graced by distinguished guests including Hon. Elvis Nkandu, Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, and Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, highlighted the collective efforts towards addressing youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, commended the attendees for their commitment to youth empowerment initiatives and emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving social change. He applauded the private sector's active participation in supporting the Internship, Volunteer, Apprenticeship, and Graduate (IVAG) programme, which aims to provide practical work experience and skills development opportunities for young Zambians.

The IVAG programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts under the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Youth, has shown promising results in equipping the youth with the necessary tools for employment and entrepreneurship. Through further partnerships with the private sector, young people are gaining meaningful work experience and realizing their career aspirations.

Looking ahead, UNDP is exploring ways to enhance the IVAG programme into a more effective and sustainable Fellowship programme, through which initiative will empower more Zambian youth to drive long-term socio-economic development. Mr Wakiaga emphasized the importance of engaging all stakeholders in shaping the future of youth empowerment, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.

Despite positive economic growth, Zambia continues to face challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, particularly among the youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The Government of Zambia has prioritized economic transformation and job creation in its Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), underscoring the need for innovative approaches and strong partnerships to address these issues.

Mr Wakiaga reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s youth and called on all stakeholders to join hands in this journey towards a brighter future for the country’s young generation.