Hichilema launches National Service Programme

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a new initiative aimed at promoting discipline and resilience among Zambia's youth, addressing pressing issues like the rise in street children. The program will focus on providing young people with access to training in security and defense sectors, including the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force (ZAF), Zambia National Service (ZNS), Zambia Police, and Zambia Correctional Service. President Hichilema revealed that resource availability would determine the scope and pace of the program's rollout.

During a meeting at State House with 40 women groups operating under the Gender Machinery framework, Hichilema shared that he has already set a personal example by ensuring his own children have undergone military training. "This program will open doors for our young people to access structured, disciplined environments that offer life skills and training in various security and defense wings," he said.

President Hichilema also proposed forming a dedicated working group to address gender-related challenges, emphasizing that inclusive policies and solutions are essential to the country's social progress.

The president further addressed the severe impact of Zambia's ongoing drought, which has strained the country's energy sector and stymied economic activity. Limited infrastructure has also hindered Zambia's ability to import sufficient electricity to meet demand. The energy connection between Zambia and Mozambique, for example, only supports up to 400 MW of imported electricity.

"The drought has highlighted these infrastructural weaknesses, which we now need to prioritize and address," Hichilema noted, underscoring the urgency of enhancing energy infrastructure to support the country's resilience in times of climate stress.

The president's address drew attention to the interconnectedness of social discipline, gender equality, and energy stability as vital components of national development.