Overview
The 2015 National Youth Policy of the Republic of Zambia defines youth as persons aged 15–35 and articulates a vision of a skilled, enlightened, economically empowered and patriotic youth. It provides a situation analysis and segments target groups, including rural and urban youth, young women and men, youth with disabilities, out-of-school youth, NEET youth, those in formal/informal work, youth living with HIV/STIs, youth heading households, migrants, and the diaspora. Key policy areas and strategies address employment and entrepreneurship, education and skills development (including TEVET and ICT integration), youth health with emphasis on comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly services, and participation in creative industries (arts, culture, recreation and sport). The policy introduces youth mainstreaming across government and private sectors and promotes the professionalization of youth work. Cross-cutting themes include environmental sustainability, disability inclusion, HIV and AIDS, gender equity and equality, governance and civic participation, and volunteerism. An implementation framework details roles for the Ministry of Youth and Sport, other line ministries, private sector, civil society and cooperating partners across national, provincial and district levels, supported by a legal framework, resource mobilization approach, and a monitoring and evaluation system.