Overview
The 2015 National Youth Policy, issued by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sport, provides a comprehensive framework to support a large and growing youth population. It defines youth as persons aged 15–35 and segments target groups to ensure inclusive, tailored interventions for rural youth, those in and out of school, youth with disabilities, unemployed youth, and others at risk. The policy’s vision is a nation of skilled, enlightened, economically empowered, and patriotic youth. It sets objectives and strategies across key thematic areas: employment and entrepreneurship (including apprenticeships, internships, certification of informal skills, access to finance and markets), education and skills development (access, relevance, TEVET, ICT integration), youth health (CSE, SRH, youth-friendly services, substance abuse prevention), and creative industries (arts, culture, sport, and recreation infrastructure and protections). Guiding principles include accessibility, equality and equity, inclusiveness, human rights, cultural values, transparency and accountability, and responsiveness. Cross-cutting priorities address environmental stewardship, gender equity, disability inclusion, HIV and AIDS vulnerability, youth governance and participation, and volunteerism. An implementation framework details institutional arrangements at national, provincial, and district levels, resource mobilization, and a monitoring and evaluation system. The policy aligns with national plans (Vision 2030, RSNDP) and international commitments, and emphasizes youth mainstreaming and professionalization of youth work.