Investing in Human Capital: Investments in People
NYAMBE NALISHEBO
Dialogue “The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth
TOPIC: Investing in Human Capital: Investments in People.
As a youth development activist and African skilling pioneer, I have dedicated my life to empowering young people in Zambia and across Africa. Through my organization, the World Youth and Leadership Foundation (WYLF), I have fostered youth leadership and entrepreneurship, providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
My work has been recognized through various notable achievements. I was a key participant in the Youth Connekt Africa Policy Hackathon 2024 in Rwanda, Kigali, and served as a delegate for Zambia at the World Youth Festival 2024 in Russia. I have also been recognized as one of Africa's 30 youth skilling pioneers by Youth Connekt Africa. This recognition is a testament to my tireless efforts in empowering young people through social entrepreneurship and youth development advocacy.
Furthermore, I was recently nominated as the Southern Africa Social Founder of the Year, a prestigious recognition that acknowledges my contributions to social entrepreneurship and youth development in the region. This nomination is a validation of my work and a motivation to continue empowering young people across Africa
Africa's youth population faces numerous challenges that hinder their ability to reach their full potential. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of access to quality education. In many African countries, education systems are underfunded, understaffed, and lack the necessary infrastructure to provide students with a comprehensive education.
For instance, in Zambia, where I am from, the education system is plagued by a shortage of teachers, inadequate textbooks, and poor infrastructure. This has resulted in a significant number of young people lacking the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the job market.
Another challenge facing young people in Africa is the lack of employment opportunities. Many African countries struggle with high levels of unemployment, which can lead to poverty, frustration, and disillusionment among young people.
In Zambia, for example, the unemployment rate among young people is estimated to be around 30%. This has led to a significant number of young people engaging in informal
employment, such as street vending or small-scale farming, which often lacks job security, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
To address these challenges, I have developed innovative programs and initiatives that provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
For example, through my organization, the World Youth and Leadership Foundation (WYLF), I have established a number of programs aimed at providing young people with access to quality education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services.
One such program is the Skilling Up Unskilled Population (SUP) initiative, which provides young people with vocational training and entrepreneurship skills. The program has been highly successful, with over 1,000 young people graduating fr om the program and starting their own businesses.
Another program is the Teenage Pregnancy Sensitization Program, which aims to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy among young people in Zambia. The program provides young people with education and awareness about reproductive health, as well as access to contraception and other healthcare services.
Overall, my programs and initiatives have been designed to address the specific challenges facing young people in Africa, and to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
As a participant in the Open Dialogue “The Future of the World” A New Platform for Global Growth, I will contribute my expertise and experience in youth development, social entrepreneurship, and education to the discussion on Investing in Human Capital.
As the Founder and Managing Director of Youthtech College of Health Education and Business Development, I oversee the development of young people in health education, business, and entrepreneurship. I also initiated the Teenage Pregnancy Sensitization Program and developed the Reproductive Health Education Program.
I believe that my achievements and influence will make a positive impact at the Open Dialogue “The Future of the World” A New Platform for Global Growth. As a participant, I will bring my expertise and experience in youth development, social entrepreneurship, and education to the discussion on Investing in Human Capital. I am confident that my contributions will help shape the future of the global economy and provide valuable insights on how to empower young people and drive sustainable growth through practical
skills capacity building and students cooperative formation such as Medical students forming cooperatives to start producing medicine. This will help to create employment for students and reduce unemployment levels once more investments are channeled to such initiatives.
My mission is to provide comprehensive support to young people, including entrepreneurship support, mentorship, vocational training, and business development, students business cooperative formation. I believe that by working together with key stakeholders and young individuals, unemployment can be transformed into opportunities for social and economic growth and employment creation in Zambia and across Africa.
Personally, I understand the struggles that many young people in Zambia and Africa face. Growing up in Zambia, I witnessed graduates, friends, and peers struggling to find employment or means of survival. This sad reality drove me to take action. My innovation skilling program, Skilling Up Unskilled Population (SUP), has been instrumental in supporting youths and creating employment opportunities in Zambia through business development and student cooperative formation. This simply means that instead of offloading unemployed graduates in the communities we can actually invest and empower student and graduate with resources to cooperate form businesses and be actively
involved in the fight against youth unemployment levels.
Through SUP, my organization World Youth and Leadership Foundation as well as Youthtech college have equipped thousands of young people in Zambia with the skills required to start their own businesses and secure employment hence the need for more investments in human capital which goals beyond just skills but up to practical students and graduate business formation. My program has also helped to bridge the skills gap in various industries, thereby contributing to economic growth and development in Zambia.
I envision a Zambia and an Africa wh ere every young person possesses the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive. A continent where uncertainty is replaced with hope, and potential is unleashed. I believe that by working together, Zambia’s and Africa’s youth can be empowered, innovation can be driven, and a brighter future can be built for all.
In conclusion, investing in human capital is critical for Africa's growth and development. As a youth development activist and African skilling pioneer, I am committed to empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Through my innovative programs and initiatives, I am confident that we can transform unemployment into opportunities for social and economic growth and employment creation in Zambia and across Africa.
Sincerely,
Nyambe Nalishebo
