Environmental Sustainability

In today’s rapidly changing world, the green economy is emerging as one of the most promising areas for job creation, and young people are at the center of this transformation.

In Zambia, ChildFund, in collaboration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and partners in the private sector, recently launched a program to equip youth with future-ready skills in solid waste management and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Over 50 young people from the Lusaka Child Development Agency completed an intensive training program on solid waste management and green jobs. The initiative combined theory, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences designed to open up new livelihood opportunities in recycling, waste collection, and environmental conservation.

As part of the training, participants toured several waste management and recycling plants in Lusaka. These visits, made possible through partnerships with private recycling companies and municipal waste facilities, offered participants first-hand exposure to the entire waste value chain, from collection and sorting to processing and product innovation.

“We learned how waste can actually be turned into income,” shared Mwiinga, one of the participants. “What people throw away every day can become the foundation for a clean environment and a sustainable business.”

With ChildFund’s support, the trained youth have submitted proposals to two private firms interested in supporting youth-led businesses. In addition, the Government of Zambia has pledged to link them to Constituency Development Fund (CDF) opportunities to help scale their enterprises.

The participants plan to form small waste management and recycling businesses, working alongside local councils, community groups, and private collectors. Through these efforts, they aim to collect, sort, and resell recyclable materials while promoting proper waste disposal and community awareness.

This initiative is part of ChildFund’s broader strategy to prepare youth for emerging industries such as green technology, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture; sectors expected to drive Zambia’s future employment and economic resilience.

“Our goal is to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills that align with Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy and the global shift toward sustainability,” said Nicholas Mushimba, Technical Manager for Youth and Livelihood at ChildFund Zambia. “Through partnerships with government agencies like ZEMA and private recyclers, we’re helping youth not only find jobs but create them.”