Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 2nd April, 2025.
Mongu, Western Province, Zambia.
The Zambian government has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment in Western Province through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, self-sufficiency, and community engagement among young people.
Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu, led the handover ceremony at Mongu Lodge, where young beneficiaries received 192 motorcycles, 320 sets of jerseys, 320 footballs, and financial grants ranging from K500 to K5,000. These interventions align with the government’s broader strategy to promote youth entrepreneurship, enhance mobility, and strengthen sports development across the region.
A key element of this initiative is the National Youth Scheme, which has provided grants to over 3,200 young entrepreneurs across all 16 districts of Western Province. Since its inception in 2022, the program has supported more than 10,000 youths, enabling them to establish or expand small-scale businesses and contribute to the local economy.
In addition, the Youth in Transport program is equipping young entrepreneurs with motorcycles on a loan basis, repayable over 36 months. This initiative is designed to encourage financial responsibility while creating opportunities within the transport sector.
Recognizing the vital role of sports in youth development, the New Dawn Government has also distributed 320 sets of jerseys and 320 footballs to various youth teams across Western Province. This initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to community engagement through sports, fulfilling promises made during the 2025 National Youth Day celebrations in Mongu.
“This program is not just about financial assistance; it is about empowering young people to be self-sufficient, productive, and integral to Zambia’s economic growth,” stated Minister Nkandu.
Speaking at the event, Western Province Minister Hon. Kapelwa Mbangweta emphasized the need for accountability, urging beneficiaries to utilize the resources effectively and ensure the sustainability of these programs through responsible financial management. He reaffirmed the New Dawn Government’s commitment to a non-partisan approach, ensuring that all eligible youths—regardless of political affiliation—have equal access to these empowerment programs.
Hon. Nkandu also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the UPND administration, urging Zambians to recognize the progress made over the past three years. He compared the current government’s track record with that of the previous PF administration, noting significant improvements in employment and development funding.
For instance, he pointed out that while the PF government employed 7,000 teachers over a decade, the UPND government has recruited over 50,000 teachers in just three years. Additionally, he highlighted the substantial increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million under the PF to K36 million under the UPND administration.
Hon. Nkandu further emphasized that while the previous administration imposed a wage and employment freeze, the UPND government has lifted these restrictions, leading to salary increases and expanded job opportunities across government ministries and departments.
He called on the youth and all Zambians to acknowledge and appreciate the strides made by President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government in delivering impactful development programs within a short period.
As the government continues to expand its youth-focused initiatives, it remains committed to fostering grassroots participation, bridging economic disparities, and creating long-term opportunities for young Zambians nationwide.
The Agency.