President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled a new youth financing strategy aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people in Zambia. Speaking at the 2025 National Youth Indaba under the theme “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited,” he detailed measures to improve access to funding and job creation.
The initiative directs 20 percent of the loan empowerment component from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to youth-led businesses. These funds will be managed in partnership with financial institutions to ensure fair selection and effective loan repayment, maximizing benefits for young entrepreneurs.
Hichilema acknowledged the critical role of youth in national development, praising their resilience, creativity, and determination. He urged them to explore entrepreneurship, self-employment, and irrigation farming, emphasizing that starting small is a necessary step toward success.
He also called on young people to hold leaders accountable, stressing that elected officials must serve the people rather than exploit public resources. He reiterated the government’s commitment to job creation, business expansion, and increasing national revenue to support essential services.
