Economic Analyst, Yusuf Dodia, has urged government to invest in relevant education policies and effective skills development programs to harness the country’s growing youth population.
According to the 2022 Census, young people account for more than one-third of Zambia’s population.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Dodia highlighted the need to develop the service industry by equipping youths with skills that enable them to secure and create jobs, ultimately reducing the economic strain on the government.
Mr. Dodia emphasized that government should leverage its existing mechanisms, particularly through the Ministry of Technology and Science, to promote youth economic inclusion and address unemployment.
“If young people are not integrated into economic activities, there is a risk of fostering a population that is unproductive and becomes a burden to society rather than an asset,” said Mr. Dodia.
He further called for reforms in the education system, advocating for a shift away from merit-based eliminations at examination levels.
Instead, he suggested an approach that allows students to progress based on their aptitude in specific skills, ensuring that education aligns with their abilities and potential contributions to the economy.
By Cynthia Lupiya.
