As Zambia commemorates the 2025 National Youth Day under the theme “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited”, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) recognizes the critical role that young people play in fostering good governance, transparency, and accountability. The fight against corruption cannot be won without amplifying the voices of the youth and equipping them with the necessary tools to challenge corrupt practices at all levels of society.
Corruption continues to undermine development, limiting opportunities for young people and eroding public trust in institutions meant to serve them. Public resources meant for youth empowerment programs, education, and employment opportunities are often mismanaged or lost due to corruption, leaving many young people without the support they need to thrive. If Zambia is to fully harness the potential of its youthful population, it must address corruption head-on and create an enabling environment where young people can demand accountability without fear of retaliation.
In line with this year’s theme, TI-Z has been actively working to empower young people by amplifying their voices in the fight against corruption through our ‘Active Citizens and Community Actions’ thematic area. In 2024, we conducted youth capacity-building trainings on reporting corruption, successfully training 23 youths in Livingstone, bringing the total to 81 youths trained in Kabwe, Kasama, and Solwezi. Trainings such as these equip young people with the skills to recognize, report, and take action against corruption, enabling them to play an active role in promoting transparency and accountability in their communities.
However, for youth voices to truly be amplified, there must be genuine political will to listen to and act on their concerns. We urge the government to create more transparent platforms for youth engagement in governance and to take decisive action against corruption, particularly in areas that directly impact young people, such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), education, and employment programs. We also call upon the youth to take advantage of available reporting mechanisms and become active participants in the fight against corruption.
As we celebrate National Youth Day, let this be a moment of reflection and action. Young people must continue to raise their voices against corruption, demand transparency, and Innovate solutions that will safeguard public resources for future generations.
TI-Z remains committed to supporting youth-led initiatives and advocating for stronger anti-corruption measures that will build a better and more accountable Zambia for all.
Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
