MISA Zambia chairperson Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga calls for meaningful youth participation in governance

By Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga
Chairperson – MISA Zambia
Lusaka, Thursday, March 12, 2026

MISA Zambia joins the rest of the country in commemorating Youth Day, held under the theme “Arise and Soar.”
This day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and potential of young people while reflecting on the role they play in shaping Zambia’s democratic and developmental trajectory.
As Zambia celebrates its youth, MISA Zambia calls on young people to actively engage in governance and decision-making processes at all levels of society. According to the 2022 Census National Analytical Report by the Zambia Statistics Agency, the youth population accounts for approximately 22 per cent of Zambia’s total population, translating to about 4.3 million people.
This significant demographic represents not only the future of the country but also a powerful force shaping policy, innovation, and national development today.
When given the opportunity and an enabling environment, young people have consistently demonstrated their ability to transform societies through innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Across Zambia, youths are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to drive social change, build businesses, and participate in public discourse. The rapid growth of digital platforms has created new spaces where young people can express their views, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping national conversations.
However, while digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for participation, they also come with responsibilities and challenges. As the majority of consumers and users of digital technologies, youths must play a leading role in promoting responsible digital citizenship.
This includes combating misinformation and disinformation, promoting fact-based discussions, and ensuring that online platforms are used constructively to advance democratic values and national development.
Access to accurate and credible information is essential for informed participation in governance.
In this regard, MISA Zambia encourages young people to utilize the Access to Information (ATI) Law as a tool for empowerment.
The ATI Law provides citizens with the right to request and obtain information held by public institutions.
For youths, this legislation presents a valuable opportunity to access data on public policies, budgets, development programmes, and service delivery.
By making use of this law, young people can enhance their understanding of governance processes, strengthen evidence-based advocacy, and contribute meaningfully to decision-making that affects their communities and future.
MISA Zambia further commends the Government for the strides made in implementing programmes that support youth development and empowerment. Initiatives such as skills development programmes under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the Free Education Policy, and other youth-focused interventions have opened new pathways for young people to acquire knowledge, skills, and opportunities for economic participation.
These efforts contribute significantly to ensuring that youths remain vibrant, productive, and capable of driving Zambia’s development agenda.
Additionally, the government’s efforts to promote youth inclusion in governance structures, including legislative reforms that recognize youth representation at parliamentary level, are commendable.
MISA Zambia encourages government institutions and political parties to continue strengthening these efforts by creating more opportunities for young people to participate directly in leadership and decision-making processes, including representation in Parliament and other governance structures.
At the same time, MISA Zambia notes with concern that several barriers continue to affect the full enjoyment of freedom of expression, particularly for young people.
Certain legal frameworks, including aspects of existing cyber-related laws, have created an environment where young people may feel constrained in expressing their views freely, especially online.
While the regulation of digital spaces is important for addressing cybercrime and protecting users, it is equally critical that such laws are implemented and reviewed in ways that safeguard constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
A democratic society thrives when citizens, including youths, are able to speak freely, debate ideas openly, and participate without fear of undue restriction. MISA Zambia, therefore, calls for continued dialogue and reforms to ensure that the legal and policy environment supports rather than limits constructive youth participation in digital and civic spaces.
The media also continues to play a vital role in amplifying youth voices by providing platforms where young people can share their perspectives, highlight community issues, and engage in national discourse.
MISA Zambia remains committed to working with media institutions to ensure that youth voices are represented in public debate and that young people are empowered to use both traditional and digital media responsibly.
As the country commemorates Youth Day, MISA Zambia urges young people across the country to rise to the challenge of shaping Zambia’s future. By embracing innovation, engaging constructively in governance, utilizing access to information laws, and promoting responsible use of digital platforms, youths can play a transformative role in strengthening democracy and driving sustainable development.