President Hichilema Announces 2,000 Government Internships

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that his government will create 2,000 internship opportunities for young Zambians this year, placed across government ministries, quasi-government institutions, and State House itself.

Addressing delegates at the 2026 Youth Indaba in Lusaka, the President said government is also working closely with the private sector to broaden the employment pipeline for young people. To ease access to financing, each constituency will be assigned a dedicated Loans and Funding Officer — a professional resource to guide youth applicants through the complexities of loan applications and funding schemes.

President Hichilema also confirmed that 20 percent of all loans and grants under government financing programmes — including the Constituency Development Fund and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission — will be ring-fenced for young people.

Reflecting on his administration's approach, the President said youth support is not rhetoric but a tangible expression of the trust young Zambians placed in his government. He called on the youth to channel their energy into discipline, innovation, and hard work, noting that transformative ideas most often originate with the young.

Youth, Sports and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu praised the President for his sustained commitment to youth engagement. He announced that all Youth Resource Centres will be retooled as hubs for entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic empowerment.

Minister Nkandu also revealed that the Ministry holds more than 30,000 hectares of land across Mufumbwe, Mpongwe, and Mporokoso districts — available to young Zambians ready to contribute to the country's agricultural growth.