Zambia and Zimbabwe Strengthen Ties Through Youth Empowerment Talks
Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment and regional cooperation following a high-level bilateral meeting in Harare.
Zambia’s Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Honourable Elvis C. Nkandu, MP, led the delegation, accompanied by His Excellency Mr. Derick Livune, Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, and Mr. Wu Ming, Chairman of the Zambia-Chinese Association.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on Honourable Tino Machakaire, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training. The engagement focused on promoting youth development, skills training, and the reintroduction of national service as key tools for sustainable growth.
Hon. Machakaire praised Zambia’s renewed focus on voluntary national service under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, noting its alignment with Zimbabwe’s youth development agenda. “It is through such initiatives that our young people are empowered to become self-reliant, productive, and patriotic citizens,” he said.
He also dismissed misinformation on social media about tensions between the two countries, affirming the enduring bond between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Hon. Nkandu echoed these sentiments, stressing Zambia’s dedication to equipping youth with the skills and values necessary for nation-building. “The voluntary national service programme is designed to instill values, build capacity, and promote self-reliance,” he stated.
Both Ministers agreed on the urgent need to invest in young people, warning that failure to do so could lead to a leadership and skills gap in the near future.
