President Hakainde Hichilema has called for unity among the 72 ethnic groups of Zambia. 

Mr Hichilema says the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration among others prioritises youth development as they have the strength to drive the economic status of the country forward.

The President has pointed out that the introduction of free education by the UPND government was aimed at creating equity and equality between the rich and the poor.

He has affirmed his continued support towards free education despite the economic situation the country may face in the future.

ZANIS reports that the Head of State was speaking during the national Youth Day celebration held at the Sports Stadium in Mongu District of Western Province.

The President also informed the youths that the government is working hard to promote vocational training skills in order to allow them to become their own employers.

Mr Hakainde further bemoaned the increased number of cyber-attacks on social media, adding that politics of insults has the potential to create disunity in the nation.

The President has since asked the people of Western Province to uphold high levels of patriotism for the country.

Mr Hakainde advised youths in the province and the country at large to desist from engaging themselves in illicit activities such as drugs as they can retard productivity.

Meanwhile, Western Province Minister, Kapelwa Mbangweta, hailed the Head of State for considering celebrating the national Youth day in the Province.

Mr Mbangweta said the turnout of youths in large numbers for youth day celebration in Mongu was a clear demonstration that the young people were happy with his good governance in the province and the country as a whole.

The 2025 Youth Day celebration in Mongu under the theme “Voices amplified and Innovation Ignited” attracted thousands of participants from all the sixteen districts of Western Province, with the Head of State making it unique as Guest of Honour.