Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts Elvis Nkandu has launched the THINK Management Development Programme and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between retail chain Choppies and the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Mr Nkandu has described the partnership as a key step in advancing youth empowerment and job creation.
Speaking at the event in Lusaka, Mr Nkandu said the programme aligns with the Government’s priorities of human capital development, skills training, and stronger public-private partnerships under President Hakainde Hichilema.
ZANIS reports that Mr Nkandu said the government had placed young people at the center of Zambia’s economic agenda, citing initiatives such as free education from Grade 1 to 12, expanded access to higher education and efforts to link education to employment and entrepreneurship.
“The partnership between Choppies and the University of Zambia demonstrates how collaboration between the private sector and learning institutions can deliver meaningful results by preparing young people for the workplace,” Mr Nkandu said.
He pointed out that the THINK Management Development Programme will target both fresh graduates and existing Choppies employees, equipping them with skills in leadership, operations, customer service, and the use of technology.
Mr Nkandu said this approach will help young people transition from the classroom into productive employment and management roles.
University of Zambia(UNZA) Vice Chancellor Mundia Muya said the university believes strategic partnerships with industry players such as Choppies are critical in responding to current challenges and preparing graduates for real-world leadership roles.
Choppies Representative for the Country Head for Choppies, Sitamulaho Monde, said the program will expose graduates to all practicalities of running a business.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary graduate, James Machamanda, said the opportunity will expose them to practical leadership experience, adding that strong leadership emanates from practical experience.
