By Mubanga Mubanga
Permanent secretary for Planning and Administration at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Prudence Kaoma has emphasised the importance of aligning national planning frameworks with emerging technological changes and labour market realities.
Appearing as a discussant on panel sessions examining how governments can create enabling policy, planning, and public finance frameworks to prepare young people for future labour markets and the rapidly evolving digital economy, Kaoma said young people must be empowered with the skills required to participate meaningfully in economies.
In her contributions at the Fourth United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), Future Forum, currently underway in Helsinki, Finland, Kaoma highlighted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve public financial management systems, deepen digital transformation initiatives, and create a more predictable investment environment capable of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation for young people.
She emphasized the importance of aligning national planning frameworks with emerging technological trends and labour market realities to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills required to participate meaningfully in future economies increasingly driven by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, and global connectivity.
In a statement issued by the office of the Secretary to Treasury, the high-level international forum, was being held from 19-21 May 2026, and brought together policymakers, development institutions, researchers, private sector leaders, and international cooperating partners to deliberate on strategies for empowering young people through education, innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
According to the ministry, the conference was officially opened by the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, who underscored Finland’s continued commitment to multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and innovation-driven partnerships with developing economies.
Senior Finnish government officials participating in the Forum include Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
“As part of the programme, Ms. KAOMA held an engagement with the Finnish Minister for Trade and Development as well as technology and business leaders from Finland to explore investment opportunities, technology partnerships, innovation ecosystems, and areas of economic cooperation between Finland and participating countries,” read the statement in part. “Ms. KAOMA held bilateral discussions with Finland’s Minister for Trade and Development focusing on opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas linked to innovation, youth empowerment, digital transformation, skills development, and private sector participation.”
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of strengthening both South-South and North-South cooperation as mechanisms for mobilizing investment, technology transfer, skills partnerships, and financing for youth employment initiatives and broader economic transformation programmes across developing countries.
The LDC Future Forum forms part of a broader international platform coordinated by UN-OHRLLS in partnership with the Government of Finland and other international institutions, including the OECD Development Centre and UNU-WIDER. This year’s Forum is being held under the theme of transforming LDCs by empowering youth populations through education, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning noted that Zambia’s participation in the Forum aligned with the government’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening human capital development, supporting innovation-led growth, and positioning the country to participate more competitively in the evolving global digital economy.
