Youth Entrepreneurs Gear Up for Regional Trade at AfCFTA Workshop in Chilanga
Over 130 young entrepreneurs gathered today at Twangale Park in Chilanga for the Youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Capacity Building Workshop, a transformative initiative designed to equip youth-owned businesses with tools to thrive in regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and innovation hub BongoHive, the workshop is part of the GRZ–UN Joint Programme on Youth Empowerment and Employment. It aligns with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which emphasizes youth entrepreneurship and digital innovation as pillars of inclusive economic growth.
Speaking through National Youth Development Council Secretary Wana Kankiza, Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe highlighted the government’s strong commitment to nurturing young business leaders.
“Zambia has one of the youngest populations globally. This demographic advantage presents a powerful opportunity for sustainable development—if we address the barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as access to finance, mentorship, and markets,” Chileshe said.
The workshop aims to build the capacity of over 200 youth-led MSMEs across Zambia, with at least 50% female participation. Participants will gain practical knowledge in product development, branding, business development, innovation, and export readiness.
A key highlight is the dedicated AfCFTA training component, which will help entrepreneurs understand trade regulations, cross-border requirements, and compliance with regional standards—essential for those looking to scale their ventures beyond Zambia.
“The AfCFTA opens doors for young people to export not just products, but ideas—reshaping what it means to be a regional economic leader,” Chileshe noted.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship sessions, peer networking, and opportunities to connect with trade fairs and expos for visibility and growth. The Chilanga event follows successful capacity-building sessions in Livingstone and Kitwe, which collectively supported over 60 young entrepreneurs.
Mr. Chileshe commended UNDP for its ongoing support and praised the facilitators and mentors for their dedication to building a resilient youth MSME ecosystem. He called on young participants to embrace the opportunity with courage and vision.
“Let us leave this workshop not just with skills, but with a renewed sense of purpose,” he said. “Together, we can create a thriving environment for youth-led MSMEs.”
The three-day workshop will continue with intensive sessions on entrepreneurship, digital tools, leadership, sustainability, and regional trade strategies.
