FOR generations, success has been measured by one question: “Have you found a job yet?” It is a question almost every graduate in Zambia is asked.
While there is nothing wrong with seeking employment, our national conversation has become so focused on finding jobs that we rarely ask an equally important question: “How many jobs can you create?”
Zambia is blessed with one of the youngest populations in Africa.
Every year, thousands of talented graduates leave universities and colleges with dreams, qualifications and ambition.
Unfortunately, many enter a labour market that cannot absorb them all. The result is frustration, prolonged unemployment, and untapped potential.
Perhaps the challenge is not simply a shortage of jobs, but a shortage of people who have been encouraged to build them.
Entrepreneurship should not be viewed as a last resort after countless unsuccessful job applications.
It should be presented as a respectable and realistic career path from the very beginning.
Our schools and universities must do more than prepare students to become excellent employees; they must also prepare them to become employers, innovators and problem-solvers.
Being a job creator does not always begin with millions of Kwacha or a large company.
It often starts with identifying a problem and finding a practical solution. Some of Zambia’s most successful businesses began with a simple idea, consistent effort, and the courage to take the first step.
This shift in mindset is especially important for young people.
Instead of asking, “Who will hire me?” we should also ask,
“What value can I create?” Every business that succeeds has the potential to employ others, strengthen communities, and contribute to economic growth.
When one entrepreneur succeeds, the benefits often extend far beyond the individual.
Of course, entrepreneurship is not without challenges. Access to finance, mentorship, markets and business skills remains a significant obstacle for many aspiring entrepreneurs. These are issues that Government, educational institutions, financial institutions and the private sector must continue working together to address.
Creating an entrepreneurial culture requires more than motivation; it requires an ecosystem that supports innovation and rewards initiative.
As young people, we also have a responsibility to embrace continuous learning, develop resilience, and be willing to start small while thinking big.
Every successful enterprise was once an idea that someone chose to pursue despite uncertainty.
Zambia’s future prosperity will not depend solely on the number of graduates we produce, but on the number of innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders we empower.
Employment will always be important, but lasting economic transformation will come when more young people see themselves not only as job seekers, but as job creators.
The future belongs to those who create opportunities, not only for themselves, but for others as well.