ZAMBIA is a youthful country, with approximately 74 per cent of its 14 million total population being under the age of 30 (28 per cent are 15 to 29 years old).
The annual population growth rate estimates range from 2.4 to three per cent, and projections indicate a population of 24.5 million by 2030, according to the 2013 Human Development Report.
Zambian youth, like in many developing countries, face challenges such as high unemployment rates, poor quality of education and educational opportunities, limited civic engagement opportunities, high HIV prevalence rates, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage.
Thus we hail President Lungu’s announcement that the Government is determined to ensure youths are adequately prepared to become a driving force for the country’s economic emancipation.
This is inspiring since the launch of the 2015 youth policy and first ever action plan is a clear manifestation of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government’s renewed commitment towards uplifting the living standards of the youth.
We call upon the youth to take up the challenge from the Head of State to be true champions of peace and co–existence before, during and after the August 11 general elections.
It is also good to learn that University of Zambia (UNZA) student Mahongo Kabanda thanked the President for the ambitious tone set for the aspirations of the youth over the next five years.
We say this in view of the latest closure of the two tertiary institutions of learning, UNZA and Copperbelt University which will soon re-open.
As noted by the USAID, there are a number of industries emerging in Zambia which, if properly leveraged, have high potential for increasing youth employment, including telecommunications, tourism, and agriculture.
In the same vein, we hail Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda who has challenged the youth to strive to possess desirable attributes such as work ethics and commitment to hard work for the uplifting of their welfare.
We also agree with Mr Chikwanda who has observed that there is need for the youth to take a leading role in the affairs of the nation by being active agents of development.
Mr Chikwanda is right when he observes that young people are both a challenge and an opportunity, stressing that not giving them the necessary opportunities, tools and resources to improve their lives could result in them being a time bomb for the country.
Since this is an election year, youths are cardinal in maintaining order and peace in the country.
This makes President Lungu and Mr Chikwanda’s messages even more relevant.