Youths in Kabompo District of Northwestern Province have expressed support for the Zambian government’s proposal to construct a university in the province and a skills training centre in Kabompo under the 2027 national budget. According to the Lusaka Times, the announcement was made by Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane during the budget presentation on Friday, November 6, 2026. The plan includes the development of vocational facilities in both Kabompo and Mushindamo Districts to expand educational infrastructure in the region.
Diana Makiko, a youth based in Kabompo, stated that the new centre will help bridge the gap in accessing tertiary education within the province. She noted that the announcement was a significant development for local residents who have long awaited such an institution. Makiko explained that the facility will reduce the need for students to travel to distant locations like Solwezi or other provinces to acquire specific skills, a process she described as costly due to the long distances involved.
Raphael Kajila, another local youth, added that the construction of a university in the province would benefit many young people by allowing them to access tertiary education locally. He argued that the two infrastructure projects would also create jobs for residents during the construction phase, as most of the workers on the sites would be locals. Kajila further urged young people in the province to utilize government sponsorships available through the constituency development fund to acquire skills that improve their livelihoods.
While the youth welcomed the plans, they also called for swift implementation. Kajila appealed to the government to expedite the construction process, emphasizing that the projects should commence next year rather than remaining only on paper. He highlighted the urgency of the development, noting that the local population needs these educational facilities to enhance their economic prospects. The Lusaka Times reported that the government’s 2027 budget proposal aims to address these educational gaps through these specific infrastructure investments.