ZAMBIA is a youthful country, with approximately 74 per cent of its 14 million  population being under the age of 30 (28 per cent are 15 to 29 years old).
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 youths, like many young people in developing countries, face challenges such as high unemployment rates, poor educational opportunities, limited civic engagement opportunities, high HIV prevalence rates, teenage pregnancy and early marriages.
Thus, we hail President Edgar Lungu’s challenge to youths to apply to be adopted so that they can participate in the August 11 general elections so that they can actively participate in decision-making processes and other development programmes.
President Lungu said Government has also put in place, the Youth Empowerment Fund, to provide finance for youth empowerment projects to contribute to national development.
He said Government wants youths to be involved in decision-making positions at political level by aspiring for parliamentary, ministerial and local Government positions.
The Head of State who was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly at Government complex on Saturday evening held under the theme: ‘Rejuvenating democracies:
Giving voice to the youth, observed that by applying for adoption in the forthcoming elections, it would significantly empower youths to contribute more in higher decision-making positions.
President Lungu also reaffirmed the need to invest in youths as it was a worthwhile endeavour because of their potential to contribute to the country’s economy.
Zambians should note that President Lungu has been consistent in putting measures to empower the youths. It was only a few weeks ago at the launch of the 2015 Youth Policy and first-ever Action Plan when he announced Government’s plans to renew its commitment towards uplifting the living standards of the youth.
We also call on the youth to take up the challenge from the Head of State to be true champions of peace and co-existence during and after the August 11 general elections.
Even the reopening of the two universities that were closed after confusions is an indicator that the Government cares about youths in the country.
We also hail the Government for establishing the National Youth Development Council which is the principal advisor to Government on youth matters and oversees the registration of youth organisations in the country.
We also agree with the President for observing that there were a number of youths who were innovative not only in the political arena, but also in other spheres of life but lacked opportunities to explore their ideas and initiatives.
It is also heartening to note that Zambia, as a member of the African Union (AU), has agreed with the African vision for the youth as illustrated in the African Youth Decade (2009-2018) action plan, which emphasises accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development.
As President Lungu has rightly noted, Government and the people of Zambia remain committed to enhancing democratic tenets because strong Parliaments contribute to strong democracies especially when you empower youths.
With these measures in place, there is no excuse for youths to remain on the periphery of national development.
The President has laid the foundation to effect the ci-Bemba saying, Imiti ikula empanga – which figuratively means the youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow.