Youths in Zambia are under-represented in politics and public life. This exclusion from governance is exacerbated by the absence of responsive legal frameworks compelling political parties to include young people in decision-making roles, the lack of constitutional quotas reserving seats for youth, financial constraints, and social norms that dismiss young people as incapable leaders. These challenges hinder their pursuit of self-representation and meaningful participation.
It has been over a week since the 2025 Zambian National Youth Day was commemorated under the theme "Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited." While this year’s theme is commendable, the only sure way to amplify youth voices and ignite their innovations is through their broad representation in politics and governance. Governance is the structural vehicle for socioeconomic and political development, and the closer youths are to the proverbial table of decision-making, the greater their ability to influence real change.
Historically, youth participation in Zambia’s political landscape has been significant except in the areas that matter most, such as leadership and decision-making. For instance, in the 2021 general elections, youth representation stood at only 3% in Parliament, 12.6% at the mayoral and council chairperson level, and 7.4% among councillors. In every election, we see only a few young people on the ballot and fewer assuming political office. The situation is worse when considering the president’s prerogative to nominate eight Members of Parliament—an opportunity that has consistently excluded youth, despite their majority status in the population.
This systemic under-representation is a grave electoral injustice, especially when coupled with the exclusion of women and persons with disabilities. Youth exclusion in governance has severe consequences for a developing economy like Zambia. For example, the State of the Youth Report highlights that about 27% of youth are unemployed, while 38% are financially excluded. Additionally, the country has seen a steady rise in crime, which can be linked to the underutilisation of this population. The continued exclusion of youth from governance fuels a democratic deficit, voter apathy, and potential civil unrest.
Zambia is a signatory to various international and regional instruments that promote the meaningful participation of young people in governance. The African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance mandates signatory states to ensure that youth, among other social groups, are included in decision-making structures. Without this, Africa will struggle to achieve Agenda 2063: Africa We Want aspirations, particularly Aspiration 3 (An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law) and Aspiration 6 (An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of its youth and women). The Zambia we envision, as outlined in Vision 2030 and the 8th National Development Plan, hinges on youth representation in all political and governance structures—not as token participants, but as leaders.
The strength of democracy lies in collaboration and inclusion. Intergenerational participation is key to an effective democracy, particularly in a country where several demographics are excluded. Their varying experiences and perspectives contribute valuable insights to discussions on development and leadership. Therefore, by sidelining youth, we allow decisions to be made on their behalf by those who may not fully understand their realities. This exclusion further disenfranchises young people, leaving them with little influence in shaping their country's future.
As Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, it is imperative to politically empower youth by adopting electoral systems that promote their inclusion rather than alienate them. The government has hinted at constitutional amendments aimed at adopting proportional representation to foster inclusive governance by increasing the participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities. This is a welcome move, especially if the amendments introduce quota systems to enhance representation for marginalised groups.
Zambia should adopt a parallel proportional representation system—one that does not solely rely on the First-Past-The-Post model but incorporates a formula that ensures all political parties and candidates have a fair chance of winning elections. Furthermore, the constitutional amendment process must be youth-friendly, accessible, and free from partisan manipulation.
Watch our press briefing on H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks at the 2025 National Youth Day commemoration in Mongu HERE.
