Cabinet approves voluntary youth training programme to promote skills, patriotism

The Cabinet has approved a voluntary youth training programme under the Zambia National Service (ZNS), following a recent directive by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, stated that the initiative aimed to instill a spirit of entrepreneurship, hard work, and patriotism among the youth, enabling them to contribute to Zambia’s socio-economic development.

President Hichilema convened the 25th Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at State House, focusing on policies and legislation to drive national development.

Highlighting the resolutions, Mweetwa observed that many Zambian youths faced limited opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national progress due to insufficient economic activity to absorb secondary school leavers and university graduates.

“There is, therefore, a need to harness this proportion of the population through ZNS training, allowing the country to benefit from this demographic dividend,” Mweetwa said.

The programme, he noted, would equip young people with livelihood skills to enable active participation in various sectors of society.

Cabinet emphasized that the initiative should be inclusive, benefiting youths from all constituencies without discrimination.

In addition to approving the youth training programme, Cabinet reflected on the upcoming launch of the Citizens Support Services Portal.

Mweetwa described the platform as an innovative tool to enhance citizen engagement and participatory governance by providing a centralized space for citizens to voice concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

“The portal will foster stronger interaction between citizens and government, promote real-time monitoring, and enable targeted interventions by providing decision-makers with access to real-time data on citizen issues,” Mweetwa explained.

Key benefits of the portal will include inclusivity and accessibility.

He said this would also ensure equal access to government services regardless of location or socio-economic status.

Mweetwa emphasized that the portal is expected to transform service delivery in Zambia by fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance.

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