Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 8th January, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, Zambia’s Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, hosted His Excellency Mr. Han Jing, the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, for a high-level discussion on fostering growth in youth empowerment, sports infrastructure, and arts development.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s office, highlighted Zambia’s ambitious plans to uplift its youth and creative sectors with China’s partnership.
Minister Nkandu emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitating key sports facilities, including the Levy Mwanawasa and Heroes Stadium, alongside constructing mini-stadiums in Livingstone and all 56 constituencies. This grassroots approach aims to nurture young talent and promote community sports development.
Beyond infrastructure, the Minister advocated for technical expertise through seminars and workshops to enhance capacity-building in sports.
He also proposed constructing a National Arts Centre and rejuvenating cultural institutions such as the Lusaka Playhouse and Chingola Arts Society.
On cultural and educational fronts, Hon. Nkandu outlined a vision for artist exchange programs between Zambia and China to promote mutual inspiration and collaboration.
Scholarships for Zambian youth to study in China were also prioritized, with the Minister underscoring the transformative potential of education in empowering young people.
Additionally, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for Zambian youth featured prominently. The Minister called for support in providing startup kits to graduates from Youth Resource Centers, aligning with broader efforts to combat unemployment and foster innovation.
Ambassador Han Jing expressed his appreciation for Zambia’s strategic focus and reaffirmed China’s readiness to partner in these endeavors.
“China is committed to supporting Zambia’s youth, sport and arts sectors as part of our enduring friendship,” he said. The ambassador also invited the Ministry to participate in a forthcoming exhibition on the TAZARA railway, symbolizing the long-standing ties between the two nations.
This visit marks Ambassador Han Jing’s first official engagement in Zambia and underscores the growing collaboration between the two countries in creating opportunities for Zambian youth while strengthening cultural and diplomatic bonds.
Chinese Embassy in Zambia
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts
The Agency
