As Africa positions itself for economic transformation in an increasingly competitive global economy, initiatives like Zambia’s youth skills strategy may prove crucial in determining whether the continent’s demographic dividend becomes a driver of prosperity or a source of instability
Zambia has positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s youth empowerment drive with an ambitious skills development strategy targeting the continent’s most valuable resource: its young people.
Speaking at the Industrial Skills Week for Africa (ISWA 2025) conference in Lusaka, Waana Kankinza, Council Secretary of the National Youth Development Council (NYDC), outlined a comprehensive five-point strategy designed to transform Zambia’s youth from passive beneficiaries into active drivers of economic transformation.
The initiative comes as Africa grapples with unprecedented demographic realities. With more than 80 percent of Zambia’s population under 35 years old, the country mirrors continental trends that position Africa as the world’s youngest continent.
“The demographic dividend is not automatic. It must be earned through deliberate and sustained investment in our young people, particularly through skills development,” Kankinza declared to an audience including government ministers, private sector leaders, and international development partners.
Strategic Framework for Continental Impact
The NYDC’s strategy centres on five critical areas designed to align with both national development goals and continental frameworks, including Vision 2030, the 8th National Development Plan, Agenda 2063, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Policy Integration and Alignment forms the first pillar, with the Council working across government ministries to embed digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and green economy skills into formal and informal education systems. This approach aims to ensure Zambian youth can capitalise on opportunities not only domestically but across the entire African market.
Public-Private Partnerships constitute the second element, addressing the critical gap between skills training and employment outcomes. The Council is developing apprenticeship programmes, mentorship schemes, and incubation hubs to create direct pathways from education to productive employment.
The third pillar focuses on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, recognising that future economic growth will depend on job creators rather than job seekers. High-potential sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, digital innovation, and creative industries, have been identified as priority areas for youth enterprise development.
Inclusive Approach to National Development
Equity and Inclusion form the fourth cornerstone of the strategy, with specific emphasis on rural youth, young women, and persons with disabilities. Through decentralised programmes extending beyond Lusaka into all provinces, the Council aims to ensure skills development becomes “a national asset, not a privilege for the few”.
The final pillar emphasises Evidence-Based Implementation, with mechanisms being established to track labour market trends, identify skills gaps, and monitor youth outcomes. This data-driven approach is designed to ensure accountability and measurable progress in youth development initiatives.
Continental Economic Transformation
The Zambian model reflects broader continental ambitions to harness youth potential for economic transformation. With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, the continent’s young demographic profile represents either its greatest opportunity or its most significant challenge.
“The future of Africa will not be secured by natural resources extracted from the ground, but by the skills, creativity, and resilience of its people,” Kankinza emphasised, positioning human capital development as central to Africa’s economic renaissance.
The ISWA 2025 conference, featuring delegates from across the continent, serves as a platform for sharing best practices and coordinating continental youth development strategies. The gathering includes senior officials from multiple government ministries, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and private sector representatives.
Implementation Timeline and Partnerships
The NYDC strategy involves collaboration between government agencies, training institutions, development partners, and private sector entities. The Council operates as the statutory body under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, providing it with the mandate to represent Zambian youth interests across all development initiatives.
Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati and Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda M. Tambatamba were among senior government officials supporting the initiative, signalling high-level political commitment to the youth skills agenda.
The programme’s success will be measured against its ability to transform demographic challenges into economic opportunities, with implications extending beyond Zambia’s borders to influence continental development trajectories.
As Africa positions itself for economic transformation in an increasingly competitive global economy, initiatives like Zambia’s youth skills strategy may prove crucial in determining whether the continent’s demographic dividend becomes a driver of prosperity or a source of instability.
The African Mirror
This article originally appeared on The African Mirror and is published with permission.
