Ministry of Youth Sports and Art

Status: Complete

Years: 2024-2025

Key Policy Areas: Creative Sector, Youth Development   

Type of Support: Bill drafting, economic analysis, policy

development
 

Zambia boasts one of the youngest populations globally, with half

of its citizens aged 16.9 or younger. The country’s youth are making

significant strides in the workforce, with 1.8 million individuals aged

19 to 34 currently employed, with the highest concentrations found

in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and wholesale and retail trade.

However, challenges persist. The youth unemployment rate stands

at 18%, surpassing the overall national rate of 13%. This gap is

even more pronounced among young women, who face a 21%

unemployment rate compared to 17% for their male counterparts.

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Given this, JAP collaborated on two key areas of important work with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts (MYSA):

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1. Updates to the Youth Bill

2. Creative Sector development

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In 2024, JAP provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Youth Sports and Art (MYSA), including drafting a proposed model Youth Bill to support efforts in reforming the youth legal framework. This included aiding the process to repeal and replace the National Youth Development Council (NYDC) Act. The draft model Bill was presented to the Minister, Permanent Secretary Youth and Sports, and all departments and ministerial statutory bodies of MYSA. This work was instrumental in the adoption of a revised Zambian National Youth Policy in 2024.

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Following this, JAP conducted an updated analysis of the Creative Sector’s size for PS Arts Chama Fumba, using employment, GDP, and trade data to assess the sector’s current size and growth over the past decade. This analysis was crucial in policy development to foster sector growth and played a significant role in the Ministry’s proposal to the cabinet, focusing on repealing outdated legislation governing theatres, cinemas, and the National Arts Council. It also helped secure approval to host the Creative Industries Business Summit (CIBIS) in 2025. The analysis was highlighted at the Creative CIBIS in June 2025, where JAP shared insights with industry leaders, enhancing international support for Zambia’s creative sector. 

 

Key impacts

• Adoption of revised Zambian National Youth Policy in 2024

• Provided analysis integral for cabinet approval to support growth of the creative sector

• Presented findings at the Creative Industries Business Summit 2024.