The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and called for inclusive economic development as the country commemorates its 62nd Independence Anniversary.
In a statement issued on October 24, 2026, CCZ General Secretary Rev. Canon James Phiri said young people should explore opportunities to create employment for themselves and others despite limited employment opportunities and resources.
“While employment opportunities and resources may be limited, we must dare to think beyond seeking employment and begin exploring opportunities to create employment for ourselves and others,” he said.
Rev. Phiri acknowledged that Zambia had made progress in various sectors of national development but noted that many citizens continued to face socioeconomic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, the high cost of living and limited economic opportunities.
He said national development should be measured not only by economic indicators but also by improvements in people’s living standards and access to meaningful economic opportunities.
“The true measure of national development should not only be reflected in positive economic indicators, but also in the ability of families to afford basic necessities, young people to access meaningful economic opportunities and communities to enjoy improved standards of living,” he said.
Rev. Phiri further called on leaders at all levels to promote inclusive development, accountability and the equitable distribution of national resources through policies and programmes that address the challenges facing citizens.
He also urged Zambians to uphold the rule of law, national unity, peace, justice and reconciliation, stressing the importance of respect for the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.