Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 19th June 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a bold move to tackle youth unemployment, the New Dawn administration, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, has launched a significant financial intervention, injecting over K16 million into job creation initiatives for young people across Zambia. The initiative is being strengthened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which has contributed an additional K35 million, bringing the total investment to more than K51 million.
This partnership has led to the operationalisation of the Internship, Volunteer, Apprenticeship and Graduate (IVAG) Programme, an initiative under the broader Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme, which was approved by Cabinet in 2022 as part of the National Youth Empowerment Project.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu revealed that the programme has so far engaged 2,000 youths in internship placements across various sectors. He emphasised that the programme is designed to bridge the critical gap between education and employment by offering structured, year-long work experience for young graduates and school leavers.
“The IVAG programme is addressing one of the most persistent challenges faced by young people, lack of experience,” Minister Nkandu stated. “We are working with our partners to ensure that young people are not only given opportunities but are also equipped with relevant skills to thrive in the labour market.”
The Minister also confirmed that all outstanding 10-month wage arrears for interns under the programme have now been cleared, a move aimed at restoring confidence among participants and stakeholders.
Highlighting the scope of the challenge, Nkandu disclosed that the Ministry received over 33,000 applications for only 2,000 available internship placements, underscoring the depth of demand for employment among Zambian youths. He attributed past limitations in youth employment absorption to the wage freeze policy under the previous administration, noting that the current government is working to reverse that trend with practical, results-oriented measures.
On a different note, Minister Nkandu addressed the ongoing concerns in the national football fraternity following recent player protests. He clarified that only the draw bonuses for the Zambia National Team’s matches against Comoros Islands and Tanzania remain outstanding.
The New Dawn Government’s commitment to youth development through targeted investment and strategic partnerships reflects its broader agenda of inclusive economic growth and social transformation.
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Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts
The Agency