Lusaka - 29 September 2026 – The 2026 Youth Connekt Zambia Summit opened today at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre under the theme “Green Hustle: Cultivating Wealth, Creating Jobs,” bringing together government leaders, development partners, private sector actors, innovators, entrepreneurs and young people from across Zambia to explore pathways for youth-driven economic transformation.

Graced by the Vice President and acting President of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honour Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, said this year’s theme is particularly timely as Zambia enters a new phase of economic transformation and that it represents a new way of thinking about opportunity saying, “Green speaks to sustainable, climate resilient and resource efficient economic activity.”

Her Honour Dr W.K. Mutale Nalumango said the Grow Zambia Agenda has a clear focus of increasing production, investment, economic activity and employment. “For this agenda to succeed young people must be placed at the centre of Zambia’s growth and development. If Zambia is to produce more and add value to its resources, its young people must be among those leading that production and building the businesses and technologies.”  

Dr Nalumango said if the country is to create jobs, young people must not only seek employment, they must also be supported to become entrepreneurs, innovators and employers 

Also speaking at the opening ceremony Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr Kangwa Chileshe said the Ministry is committed to ensuring that young people can participate meaningfully in emerging opportunities across agriculture and agro-processing, digital enterprise, renewable energy, creative industries, sport and other areas of economic activities 

Meanwhile UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr Laurent Rudasingwa, emphasized the critical role young people play in driving Zambia's economic growth and sustainable development.

"Youth are not merely beneficiaries of development. They are critical drivers of development. Zambia's future prosperity will be shaped by our ability to harness the talent, energy, and innovation of our young people while unlocking opportunities within agriculture, the green economy, technology, and entrepreneurship," said Mr Rudasingwa  

With Zambia's large youth population representing one of the country's greatest assets, the Summit serves as a platform to connect young people with opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, agriculture, digital transformation, climate action and the creative economy. The summit also facilitates collaboration between youth, government, investors, development partners and the private sector to accelerate enterprise development and job creation. 

Mr Rudasingwa reiterated UNDP's continued support to the Government of Zambia in advancing youth development through a range of initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, digital skills, innovation, climate resilience, and employment opportunities. “Across the country, UNDP is helping young entrepreneurs access mentorship, business development services, financial literacy training, market opportunities and innovation ecosystems that enable them to build sustainable enterprises.”

He further noted that “among these efforts are investments in innovation hubs and digital learning platforms, including the AI UniPod at the University of Zambia, the Mukuba UniPod at Copperbelt University and the Timbuktoo MineTech Hub. These initiatives are equipping young innovators and entrepreneurs with the tools, technology, and networks required to compete in the modern economy while contributing to Zambia's industrial transformation.” 

Recognizing the importance of youth well-being, UNDP is also supporting mental health and non-communicable disease prevention initiatives. Earlier this year, 64 youth champions were trained in Lusaka and the Copperbelt to promote mental well-being and healthy lifestyles among their peers, while work continues the development of a digital mental health platform for young people. 

The Summit further highlights the enormous potential of agriculture and the green economy to generate jobs and income for young people. Through programmes such as the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia (SCRALA) Project, UNDP is supporting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening resilience while creating opportunities for youth participation in modern agricultural value chains. 

As discussions continue, stakeholders are expected to explore innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and mobilize investments that will expand opportunities for young people and contribute to Zambia's broader development aspirations. 

"The success of this Summit will be measured not by the speeches delivered, but by the partnerships formed, the investments mobilized, the businesses supported and the opportunities created for young people," added Mr Rudasingwa. 

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For more information and media interviews, contact:

Communications Analyst - Mercy Khozi; mercy.khozi@undp.org 

National Youth Coordinator - Pity Halwindi; pity.halwindi@undp.org

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ABOUT UNDP: UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in some 177 countries and territories, we offer a global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.