Zambia Debuts Digital Education for Young Entrepreneurs to Boost Empowerment
In an effort to combat high youth unemployment and foster socio-economic development, the Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia has launched an online entrepreneurship training program. The initiative, attended by Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, is a comprehensive 8-week course designed to equip young Zambians with practical skills in entrepreneurship.
The program covers a wide spectrum of topics, including idea generation, business planning, digital marketing, and financial management. Upon completion, graduates will receive a recognised qualification under the TEVET framework, endorsed by both the government and industry.
The program is aimed at youth from TEVET and higher learning institutions across all ten provinces of Zambia. A total of 100 students have been selected from 20 institutions to participate in this transformative opportunity. The youth unemployment rate in Zambia, estimated between 17% and 20%, underscores the need for such initiatives.
Participants will study online and engage at physical entrepreneurial hubs for networking, peer learning, and problem-solving. Additional support includes mentorship opportunities, access to finance through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Fund, business incubation support, and monitoring and evaluation to track success and impact.
This program aligns with Zambia’s National Youth Policy, Vision 2030, the TEVET policy's focus on innovation, and both the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 and the African Union Agenda 2063. It was launched in partnership with the Finnish Embassy, Omnia Education, and TEVET institutions.
Another related program, focused on financial and digital literacy, is open to young Africans aged 18-34, including Zambians. This program emphasizes 60% female participation and includes application, motivation statement, and CV submission for selection.
Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu described the program as a timely intervention, expressing gratitude to the Embassy of Finland, Omnia Education Partnerships, and TEVET institutions for their role in making the program possible. The program is part of the country's broader socio-economic transformation efforts, with more than 60% of Zambia's population under the age of 25. The initiative is intended to empower youth to create jobs and contribute to the nation's economic growth.
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