President Hakainde Hichilema welcomes the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Sport in Action and Wallace Group collaboration to foster Youth Empowerment

Lusaka, Zambia – 11 August 2025 – In a powerful affirmation of his commitment to nurturing the potential of Zambian youth, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia and Chief Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, represented by Mr Jito Kayumba, Advisor to the President and Mr Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary Youth hosted a delegation from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, Sport in Action and the Wallace Group of UK universities at State House, Lusaka.

The gathering underscored the President’s unwavering dedication to holistic youth development supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts through their focus to ensure youth resource centres across the country are centres of excellence delivering a multitude of developmental programmes that shape Zambia’s youthful population.

By endorsing the collaboration between the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and Sport in Action, His Excellency is ensuring that Zambia’s youth are equipped with the essential skills increasingly emphasized by the International Labour Organization, World Economic Forum, and World Bank such as critical thinking, resilience, leadership, civic responsibility, and adaptability empowering Zambia’s youth to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and complex world.

As Chief Patron of the Award in Zambia, the President reaffirmed his pledge to honour and support young individuals who attain the highest distinction within the Award framework the Gold Award by hosting Gold Award ceremonies at State House. His involvement further elevates the prestige and prominence of excellence in youth achievement in Zambia and sets a bold precedent: by valuing and investing in youth, Zambia declares its intent to build a future on a foundation of empowered, skilled, and resilient young leaders.

The collaboration between DofE Zambia and Sport in Action, backed by the Wallace Group and supported by the British High Commission, has demonstrated remarkable impact and its transformational power can already be witnessed in helping young people pursue their purpose, passion and place in the world.

This initiative uniquely blends educational and sporting development, providing a robust, sustainable model that nurtures well-rounded, world ready youth.

Permanent Secretary Youth, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts: “The Republican President’s endorsement of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a clear demonstration of how much this government prioritizes youth matters. Youth leadership is now taking center stage in our national development agenda, and this partnership reflects our determination to provide platforms that prepare our young people to lead, innovate, and succeed.”

Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation: “Zambia is a beacon of youth potential and innovation, from the sports fields to community service projects, young Zambians are showing the world what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and World Ready. I’m honoured to celebrate their achievements and deepen our partnerships here.”

Twaambo Chikoye, CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia “This moment is a testament to what can be achieved when leadership at the highest level champions the growth of our young people. With the President’s support as Chief Patron and support from Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, we are confident that more Zambian youth will have access to life changing opportunities that build the resilience, skills, and global competitiveness they need to thrive. Today’s show of commitment sends a clear message Zambia is serious about equipping its young people for success in the 21st century.”

Frankson Mushindu, Executive Director for Sport In Action, said: “This partnership is a compelling demonstration of the impact that sport and education can have when united by a shared vision. By integrating the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award into our community sport hubs, we’re not only developing athletic talent—we’re cultivating confident, capable young leaders who are empowered to create positive change within their communities and beyond.”

Ben O’Connell, Director of Sport Cardiff Metropolitan University and Chair of the Wallace Group Board of Directors, said: “This collaboration represents the very essence of our mission—to use sport as a catalyst for positive change. By working alongside Sport in Action and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, we’re helping young people unlock their potential, build resilience, and become active contributors to their communities. It’s inspiring to see the impact already taking shape across Zambia.”

Wallace Group delegation: Ben O’Connell (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Stephen Stewart MBE (University of St Andrews), Cath Harvey (Loughborough University), Dr Davies Banda (The University of Edinburgh), Jack Preston (Wallace Group).