Strengthening Partnerships for Youth Employment in Zambia

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, called for stronger collaboration between government, non-profit organisations, and the private sector to address youth unemployment, which currently stands at 18.8%.

Speaking at a stakeholder workshop on the contribution of non-profit organisations to youth employment in Africa, held at Protea Hotel in Lusaka, Mr. Chileshe reaffirmed the New Dawn Government’s commitment to empowering young people through job creation, skills development, and strategic partnerships. He emphasized that tackling youth unemployment requires a united effort from all sectors.

The workshop was a collaborative effort between the University of Zambia Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR), the Mastercard Foundation, and Wits University Business School’s Center for Africa Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI). The initiative aims to assess and enhance the role of non-profit organisations in providing dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for marginalized youth across Africa.

Key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and youth representatives, participated in the discussions to explore solutions for meaningful youth employment.