Zambia launches Pro-Agro YOUTH to advance decent work and agribusiness entrepreneurship in Eastern Province

LUSAKA, Zambia (ILO News) – The Government of Zambia and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), launched Pro-Agro YOUTH at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka to expand decent work and agribusiness opportunities for rural young women and men in Eastern Province.

The Pro-Agro YOUTH: Integrated Agribusiness Hubs Scale-Up Programme will strengthen Integrated Agribusiness Hubs, connecting young women and men seeking employment, aspiring entrepreneurs and youth-led agribusinesses with market-relevant skills, finance, business development services and opportunities across agricultural value chains.

The launch brought together representatives of Government, the ILO, IFAD, employers’ and workers’ organizations, financial institutions, development partners, the private sector and young women and men.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Zambia’s agricultural transformation.

Mr. Luhanga highlighted its alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan and the Grow Zambia Agenda, particularly their priorities on job creation, skills development and economic diversification.

“By investing in young women and men today, we are investing in a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for our nation,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Ms. Edith Kirumba, IFAD Country Director for Zambia, Mr. Brian Chipili, IFAD Youth Employment Specialist, highlighted the complementary expertise of IFAD and the ILO in advancing rural transformation.

“Our partnership with the ILO is particularly important in this regard. IFAD brings its experience in rural development, agricultural value chains, rural finance and investment programming, while the ILO contributes its expertise in decent work, employment services, skills development and engagement with employers’ and workers’ organizations,” Mr. Chipili said.

He reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to inclusive rural development and sustainable agribusiness.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Mr. Wellington Chibebe, ILO Country Director for Zambia and Malawi, ILO Employment Specialist Mr. Jealous Chirove emphasised the importance of innovation and collaboration in transforming agriculture into a source of decent livelihoods.

“The future of Zambia’s agriculture will not be built by programmes alone. It will be built by partnerships. It will be built by innovation. And, above all, it will be built by the energy, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of Zambia’s youth,” he said.

Mr. Chirove noted that the programme will help bridge the gap between training and labour market opportunities, supporting transitions into productive work and entrepreneurship.

Representing employers, Mr. Shupa Munkombwe, Board Member of the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE), welcomed the initiative as a demonstration of the shared commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.

Mr. Munkombwe stressed that rural young women and men must be at the centre of Zambia’s economic transformation and called for effective implementation and measurable results.

“The real test of this programme will be its implementation and the tangible outcomes it will deliver to young people, businesses and communities,” he said.

Representing workers, Dr. Joy Beene, Secretary General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), emphasised that agricultural transformation must protect workers’ rights and dignity.

“As ZCTU, our message is unequivocal: agricultural development must create decent jobs, not merely more jobs,” Dr. Beene said.

He called for fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection and social dialogue to ensure that agricultural growth benefits workers.

Implemented by the ILO with IFAD support, Pro-Agro YOUTH will bring together training institutions, employers, financial institutions, business development service providers and employment services through Integrated Agribusiness Hubs in Eastern Province.

The primary beneficiaries will be rural young women and men in Eastern Province, including those seeking employment, aspiring entrepreneurs and those operating or seeking to establish agribusinesses. Participating institutions and service providers will facilitate access to training, finance, enterprise support and markets.

As implementation begins, the focus will be on translating these investments into decent jobs, viable enterprises and sustainable livelihoods for rural young women and men in Eastern Province.

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