Mini CEO Programme Empowers Zambia’s Young Leaders Through Literacy
An innovative literacy and entrepreneurship initiative is transforming classrooms across Zambia, equipping young learners with leadership and critical thinking skills through the Mini CEO Competition.
The programme, supported by First Quantum, has attracted participation from nearly 300 primary and secondary schools nationwide. In North-Western Province alone, 32 schools are taking part in the initiative, which integrates reading, public speaking, entrepreneurship and digital learning.
Speaking during the official launch in Solwezi, Provincial Education Officer Fredrick Munkinyi highlighted the importance of literacy in shaping future leaders.
“Literacy is not just about decoding words on a page. It is about understanding, analysing and applying information. When a child reads confidently, that child gains the power to question, imagine, innovate and lead,” he said.
Mr Munkinyi further highlighted the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector in strengthening Zambia’s education system and preparing learners for a knowledge-driven economy.
The Mini CEO programme is anchored on a series of books authored by Sepo Imakando Musokotwane, which introduce young readers to leadership, entrepreneurship and problem-solving in an engaging format.
Dr Musokotwane said the initiative aims to redefine how learners experience reading.
“Today is not just the launch of the Mini CEO competition, but the launch of a generation that is confident and courageous,” she said.
“We are nurturing a generation that is not afraid to read, but excited to lead. For too long, reading in classrooms has been associated with pressure and memorisation for examinations.”
The programme combines multiple learning approaches. Primary school pupils take part in structured reading competitions progressing from knockout stages to national finals, while secondary school learners develop and pitch business ideas based on concepts from the Mini CEO books.
A curriculum-aligned digital platform also supports the initiative, utilising artificial intelligence tools to track learner progress and provide teachers with insights, while reinforcing their role in the classroom.
At the First Quantum Kansanshi Foundation, officials say the programme reflects a broader commitment to education and community development.
Head of Education Sylvia Mwanza-Kabaghe said literacy remains a powerful driver of social transformation.
“At First Quantum, we believe literacy empowers and liberates people. It improves lives by expanding capabilities, reducing poverty and contributing to sustainable development,” she said.
She added that the initiative aligns with Zambia’s evolving curriculum, which places greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation and practical problem-solving.
With participation growing across the country, the Mini CEO Competition is gaining momentum as a platform for nurturing young leaders. The primary school finals are scheduled for 26 March 2026, while secondary school participants will present their business concepts in the final stage of the programme.
Organisers say the vision is clear: to ensure Zambia’s classrooms produce not only readers, but future leaders.
