Zambia Commended for Youth Empowerment at IFAD Governing Council in Rome
Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri is representing President Hakainde Hichilema at the official opening of the Forty-Ninth Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), being held at IFAD Headquarters in Rome.
The Minister is attending the high-level meeting at the invitation of IFAD President Dr Álvaro Lario, who has commended Zambia for its visionary leadership and strong commitment to placing youth empowerment and employment at the centre of national development.
Dr Lario highlighted Zambia’s re-introduction of the Voluntary National Service Programme and the Government of the Republic of Zambia–United Nations Joint Youth Programme, noting that the initiatives have strengthened support for youth-led enterprises in line with IFAD’s strategic priorities.
He also cited the Financial Inclusion for Resilience and Innovation Project (FIRIP), jointly implemented by IFAD and the Zambian Government, which has provided critical capacity-building support to improve access to rural finance and promote job creation, particularly among young entrepreneurs.
The Forty-Ninth Session of the IFAD Governing Council will be held from 10 to 11 February 2026 under the theme “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs.” The session will focus on governance, partnerships and Member State engagement in shaping IFAD’s strategic funding directions.
The meeting will also feature a special segment marking the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the International Day of Family Remittances by the Governing Council, as well as opportunities for bilateral engagements among delegates, IFAD management and staff.
In addition, the session will formally mark the establishment of the IFAD 14 Consultation, providing Governors with a platform to exchange views on priority areas for future strategic action.
In line with the United Nations declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the Governing Council has scheduled high-level dialogues featuring women farmers from diverse regions. The discussions will underscore the vital role women play in strengthening food and nutrition security and building economic resilience across agrifood systems. Outstanding women farmers will also be recognised for their leadership and contribution to improving rural livelihoods.
Zambia has been a member of IFAD for more than 40 years, during which time the institution has supported rural development and small-scale farmers through financing, agricultural value chain strengthening and other targeted interventions.
