A HIGH-LEVEL Zambian delegation is currently in Nigeria to benchmark the successful Jubilee Fellows Programme (JFP) and potentially adapt it to address youth unemployment and underemployment challenges in Zambia.
Led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, UNDP Zambia Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Laurent Rudasingwa, the delegation aims to learn from Nigeria’s experience in creating a sustainable platform for young professionals to gain practical skills and contribute to national development.
The event which started November 16 and ending on November 23 is a Multi-Country Experiential Learning assignment in Abuja, Nigeria, supported and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
It brings together representatives from Zambia, Nigeria, Congo, and Cameroon to share insights and best practices in youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Zambia’s Internship, Volunteer, Apprenticeship, and Graduate (IVAG) Programme into a more impactful and sustainable model.
By studying the JFP, Zambian officials hope to attract private sector involvement and create a pipeline of skilled young people.
Chileshe highlighted the value and importance of regional cooperation and peer learning in addressing youth employment challenges.
The Permanent Secretary noted that insights from the NJFP would enable Zambia to design programmes that equip young people with practical skills, align with market needs, and foster innovation.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Arts, the Zambian delegation will also be exploring the potential of establishing a Timbuktoo Technology Hub, similar to Nigeria’s, to foster innovation and digital skills among young people.
“The initiative follows a meeting between His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Assistant Secretary-General Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Director for the Regional Bureau for Africa,” the statement read.
“During the meeting, President Hichilema emphasized Zambia’s focus on sustainable job creation, business opportunities, and partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth.”
One of the key expected outcomes for Zambia on this mission is to transition IVAG to the Jubilee Fellowship Model of building a sustainable programme aimed at creating 10,000 placements annually, with a focus on private-sector partnerships.
This, according to the Government will nurture a new generation of skilled and employable youths.
Kalemba November 19, 2024
 and potentially adapt it to address youth unemployment and underemployment challenges in Zambia){kind=link}