Youth Employment Programme
President Lungu Launches National Youth Policy and Action Plan on Youth Empowerment and Employment for Zambia
Zambia’s Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has launched the 2015 revised National Youth Policy and the first ever National Action Plan on Youth Empowerment and Employment.
14 August 2015
The President has urged all stakeholders to be proactive in the implementation of these strategic documents to ensure sustainable results. Particularly, the President highlighted the importance of delivering on the ambitious target of creating more than 500,000 jobs for the youth by the end of 2016.
During a colourful ceremony held to coincide with the 2015 International Youth Day, the President stated that the launch of the two documents marks the end of an era of politics that promote hand-outs and rhetoric that succeeds only on scoring short term political mileage at the expense of long term sustainable national and youth development goals.
The President stated that it was imperative that young people who make up the majority of Zambia’s population play a key role in the development of the country as there can be no meaningful development without the involvement of the youth.
The revised youth policy emphasizes the need for responsive youth programming to address various emerging issues in youth development. The policy also put emphasis on effective exit strategies that prepared youths to be self-reliant.
On the other hand, the youth employment and empowerment action plan provides a practical and comprehensive job creation and empowerment strategy for the youth.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister, Honourable Vincent Mwale expressed thanks to the ILO and other co-operating partners for supporting the government in the process of developing the two strategic documents.
During a colourful ceremony held to coincide with the 2015 International Youth Day, the President stated that the launch of the two documents marks the end of an era of politics that promote hand-outs and rhetoric that succeeds only on scoring short term political mileage at the expense of long term sustainable national and youth development goals.
The President stated that it was imperative that young people who make up the majority of Zambia’s population play a key role in the development of the country as there can be no meaningful development without the involvement of the youth.
"Today is a momentous and historic day for my government and the youth of Zambia as I launch the 2015 youth policy and the first ever action plan for youth empowerment and employment. I believe that no meaningful development can take place without the involvement of the youth, "President Lungu said.He further highlighted that this development would not only guarantee jobs for the youth but secure better quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and income to improve living standards. Equally, He projected that the implementation of the strategy would culminate in the increase of options and opportunities for youth empowerment and employment, while also creating an enabling platform for youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This policy focus by my government is aimed at achieving a direct positive impact on poverty reduction and ensuring sustainable development and social inclusion,” He said.The International Labour Organization through its Youth Employment Project supported the government of Zambia in the review of the youth policy and the development of the first ever action plan on youth empowerment and employment.
The revised youth policy emphasizes the need for responsive youth programming to address various emerging issues in youth development. The policy also put emphasis on effective exit strategies that prepared youths to be self-reliant.
On the other hand, the youth employment and empowerment action plan provides a practical and comprehensive job creation and empowerment strategy for the youth.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister, Honourable Vincent Mwale expressed thanks to the ILO and other co-operating partners for supporting the government in the process of developing the two strategic documents.