Vice President Champions Youth Entrepreneurship and Agricultural Innovation

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on Zambian youth to embrace entrepreneurship and agriculture as pathways to prosperity and job creation. Speaking at the 2025 Youth Connekt Zambia Summit, she urged young people to leverage government support, including loans from the Citizen Empowerment Fund and access to arable land for agribusiness ventures.

"When you work for yourself, you are employed by yourself and creating jobs for others," Mrs Nalumango stated, encouraging youth to become innovators and employers rather than job seekers. She emphasised agriculture's critical role in driving economic growth, food security, and employment, while promoting climate-smart practices and renewable energy adoption.

Youth, Sport and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu highlighted the summit's tangible impact, noting that over 3,000 young people have accessed information on empowerment opportunities, with more than 400 receiving practical training in agribusiness planning and financial literacy. "Youth Connekt Zambia has moved from concept to concrete impact," he said.

UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali emphasised international support for youth empowerment, revealing that over 1,500 young Zambians have gained employment through UN-supported programmes. National Youth Development Council Secretary Waana Kankinza reinforced that young people seek opportunities, not handouts, stating they need "fair opportunities, access to finance, and an enabling environment."

The summit aims to promote youth-driven agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, with Mrs Nalumango declaring: "Let us make the Green Hustle not just a slogan, but a reality that transforms lives and communities across Zambia."