Zambia’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E Mrs. Winnie Chibesakunda says Zambia has potential to become a leader in innovation as the country has a growing number of youths eager to make a difference.
Addressing the 3rd German-African Innovation Incentive Award (GAIIA) in Berlin on 12th December 2024, Ambassador Chibesakunda said with a Government that recognises the importance of supporting entrepreneurship, the conditions were ripe for Zambia to become a beacon of progress on the African continent.
She stressed that the challenges that face the youth in Africa and Zambia in particular are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and transformation. She noted that the youth are key to the future and through their determination, creativity and resilience, they will not only shape their own destinies but will lead Africa into a new era of prosperity and innovation.
Ambassador Chibesakunda pointed out that while the potential of the youths is immense, the challenges they face cannot be overlooked, noting that young people in Africa often struggle with issues such as limited access to financing, quality education, lack of job opportunities, political instability and underdeveloped infrastructure.
She said in Zambia, like many African countries, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge while the skills gap between the education system and the needs of the job market have left many young people searching for opportunities in a job market that does not always accommodate them.
Ambassador Chibesakunda said many young Africans face systemic barriers that limit their ability to fully realise their potential and cited gender inequality, lack of access to capital and the digital divide as some of the many obstacles that young people in Africa are encountering on their journey to success.
She said the challenges are complex but not insurmountable pointing out that what is needed is a collective effort to create an environment that empowers young people to thrive.
The Ambassador emphasised that the youths in Africa and Zambia in particular must be supported and given tools that they need to succeed.
The event was held in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Sub-Saharan Africa Initiative of Germany Business (SAFRI).