Youth-Led Innovation: Zambia’s Hope and Future
Young people in Zambia face significant challenges that affect their education, economic opportunities, and environment.
Nevertheless, digital innovation and youth-led initiatives are emerging as powerful tools to confront these issues head-on. The innovative solutions being developed by young Zambians not only address pressing local problems but also hold the promise of creating lasting, positive change in communities and across the nation.
For instance, many students still struggle to access basic school supplies despite education being free nationwide. Consequently, I pitched Eco Points as an innovative idea at the Lusaka Soup competition. While Eco Points is still in the development stage and has yet to undergo full feasibility testing or official launch, its vision is clear: to connect Zambia’s abundant waste resources with the educational resource shortages faced by many students. By incentivising waste collection and recycling through a points system redeemable for school supplies, Eco Points aims to reduce waste while supporting students to stay in school and thrive. This concept reflects the strong potential for youth-led solutions to address social and environmental challenges simultaneously.
Similarly inspiring are other youth-led innovations making a real difference across the country. For example, Bio Green Technology turns agricultural and household waste into clean biogas, providing affordable energy and reducing environmental damage. This shows how young people are tackling energy poverty and climate change with practical, locally rooted solutions.
Among the major challenges, financial exclusion remains a significant barrier for many youth, especially informal traders. However, the startup Village Savers is addressing this by digitising savings groups through a user-friendly app that empowers young entrepreneurs to save money, access credit, and grow their businesses. This digital tool strengthens financial independence and resilience at the grassroots level. Closing the digital skills gap is equally vital for youth participation in the modern economy, and Tikula Tech Foundation trains hundreds of young people, particularly in rural areas, ensuring they have the skills to innovate and compete in today’s technology-driven world.
Environmental Savers of Zambia further complements these efforts as a youth-led organization making a significant impact through environmental advocacy, community clean-ups, and climate awareness campaigns. Their work builds resilience and inspires action in communities facing environmental challenges.
Furthermore, Zed Quest Consultancy plays an important role by supporting youth-led innovation through a client-focused approach grounded in expertise and integrity. Recognized by the World Health Organization with a Certificate of Participation for World Hearing Day, Zed Quest’s work highlights how local youth initiatives can attract global attention and meaningful partnerships. Ultimately, these examples prove that young people in Zambia are not just recipients of aid but leaders and creators of solutions that are practical, sustainable, and deeply connected to our communities. With increased investment in youth entrepreneurship, digital education, and resource access, Zambia’s youth can unlock immense potential and build a future with better jobs, healthier communities, and a greener environment.
As we approach the UN International Youth Day, my message is clear: “Invest in young innovators, listen to our ideas, and believe in our power to create change. Zambia’s youth are ready not only to dream about change but to build it.” Moreover, I invite partners, funders, and policymakers to collaborate with Zambia’s youth innovators. By investing resources, sharing expertise, and creating enabling environments, we can accelerate the impact of these initiatives and ensure they scale sustainably to benefit more communities across Zambia and beyond.
By Rosaria Etambuyu Simusandu, WSA Youth Ambassador in Zambia.
