Yaaka Investments, Uniplexity AI, Tiyeni Mobility, Zambian Arts Publishing House, and 3D Protosign Manufacturing have been crowned winners of the 2025 Youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Pitch Event and Award Ceremony.

The five emerged from a pool of 170 youth entrepreneurs who underwent training and business insight sessions, with ten finalists presenting their innovations before a panel of judges. Their projects impressed evaluators with creativity, market potential, and impact on community livelihoods.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu praised all participants, stressing that innovation and determination displayed by the youth is vital for Zambia’s economic transformation.

“Whether you walk away with an award or not, you are all winners. Every step you take in your entrepreneurial journey is a step towards success,” Hon. Nkandu told the finalists.

He said government has taken concrete steps to support youth-led enterprises, including revising the MSME Development Policy and Youth Policy, promoting preferential procurement for MSMEs, and facilitating access to finance. In 2024, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) disbursed 670 loans worth K189.2 million, while over K485 million was channeled through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to youth, women, and other community groups.

Permanent Secretary for Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Fumba Chama, described the platform as a gateway for young people to craft solutions to the nation’s challenges.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr. James Wakiaga emphasised the role of the creative economy in future growth and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting such initiatives. He called for greater private sector involvement to scale up impact.

The initiative was jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and BongoHive.