Zambian Empowerment Hub for Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (ZEHEST) has raised concerns over the eligibility criteria, application process and transparency of the 2026 National Internship Programme being implemented by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.
ZEHEST Executive Director, Clarence Muzyamba said the programme risks excluding the majority of young people by requiring applicants to hold a first degree or higher qualification relevant to the host institution.
Mr. Muzyamba stated that the requirement disadvantages youths with vocational and technical skills, including those trained in welding, plumbing, tailoring, carpentry, electrical installation and agriculture.
““Zambia has over 4 million youths aged 19-35. Less than 15% hold a degree. By making a degree mandatory, the Ministry has effectively excluded 85% of Zambian youths. This is not youth empowerment, it is elite empowerment,” he said.
He also questioned a contradiction in the internship eligibility criteria, which states that applicants must have completed at least secondary school education while also requiring a first degree or higher qualification.
Mr. Muzyamba said the Ministry should clarify whether Grade 12 school leavers will be eligible to apply, arguing that the ambiguity could result in young people spending money on applications only to be disqualified. “Clause 2 says at least secondary school education is sufficient. Clause 3 says a first degree is mandatory. This is contradictory and misleading,” Mr. Muzyamba noted.
He further raised concerns over the use of the Imisepela App as the sole application channel, noting that youths in rural areas may have limited access to smartphones, internet connectivity and data.
“If the Ministry is the line Ministry for youth, why does it refuse to receive applications directly? Youths trust the Ministry building, not an App. Many youths in Shangombo, Sikongo, Chama, Lundazi and Kasempa have no smartphone, no data and limited access to Google Play Store. How will they apply?” he asked.
Mr. Muzyamba also questioned who owns and manages the application platform, how applicants’ personal information will be protected and who will be responsible for shortlisting candidates.
He called for the publication of the number of internship slots available per province and institution, the monthly allowances and the criteria that will be used to shortlist applicants.
Mr. Muzyamba further questioned the use of voluntary Zambia National Service (ZNS) as an added advantage, stressing that the requirement could disadvantage some groups, including young mothers and persons with disabilities.
“This is discriminatory. ZNS is not accessible to all youths, especially young mothers, persons with disabilities and youths in remote areas. This clause will disadvantage girls, Persons with Disabilities and poor youths,” he said.
He demanded the removal of the compulsory degree requirement, the opening of physical application centres at provincial and district youth offices, disclosure of the ownership and data protection arrangements of the Imisepela App, and publication of internship slots and allowances.
ZEHEST also called for the inclusion of vocational and entrepreneurship skills in placement areas, an extension of the October 31, 2026 application deadline and nationwide sensitization of youths through radio, television and community platforms.
“We appreciate the Ministry’s intention to build a skilled labour force. However, good intention without inclusion is exclusion. You cannot claim to empower youth when you restrict 85% of them from applying. You cannot claim to be the line Ministry for youth and then say do not apply to us,” he said.
“An internship with a degree restriction is not an internship. It is a graduate job. A real internship must be a bridge from learning to earning for ALL youth, especially those without degrees who need skills the most.”
