05/08/2026
Three youth groups in Chama District have received a total of K21,300 in seed funding under the Youth Life Project to support sustainable green enterprises and strengthen climate change resilience.
The funding was presented during the launch of the Youth Life Project Seed Fund and Technical Mentoring Programme, which targets youth and women-led groups engaged in sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the launch, Youth Life Project Founder and Director Michael Nkhosi, said the initiative is aimed at empowering young people, who make up more than 60 percent of Zambia’s population, through entrepreneurship and climate-smart economic activities. Mr. Nkhosi said the project was developed in response to the devastating effects of drought and the growing unemployment challenges facing young people. He explained that, in partnership with ActionAid, the project seeks to equip youth with practical skills, financial support and mentorship to help them become economically productive.
He added that the beneficiaries have also been trained in disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, gender-based violence prevention and mental health awareness to strengthen their resilience and participation in community development.
Mr. Nkhosi noted that the Youth Life Project, in partnership with ActionAid, has been implementing similar empowerment programmes since 2022, beginning in Gwembe District before expanding to Chama.
Meanwhile, Youth Life Project SPA Lead Administrative Officer Zenaida Mbulo said beneficiaries would be monitored monthly through the district coordinator to ensure the successful implementation of their projects. Ms. Mbulo urged the beneficiaries to manage the seed funds responsibly to ensure the sustainability and growth of their enterprises.
She said the project is expected to help communities adapt to climate change by promoting resilient livelihood activities capable of withstanding challenges such as drought and human-wildlife conflict.
