The Role of Islam in the Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Youth: The Case of Makululu Compound in Kabwe, Zambia

: This research article presents a comprehensive Exploration of the role of Islam in the socio-economic empowerment of the youth in Makululu community of Kabwe - Zambia. The aims of the study was to understand the Islamic context of youth economic empowerment, seek to know the strategies Moslems employed in empowering the youth and assess the benefits the youths derived from the empowerments. The study employed a purposively selected sample of 118 participants comprising 7 Muslim Leaders, 66 Muslim youths, 44 Non-Muslim youths and 1 NGO representative and used a combination of interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as the foundation for data collection. A special aspect of purposive sampling strategy called the Exemplar of the phenomenon of interest was also applied in selecting a single significant case which was thought of having a wealth of rich information (key informant) required by the study. Transcripts of the interviews and recorded FGDs were analysed thematically for perceptions of the respondents on the role of Islam in the Socio-economic empowerment of youths. Findings: The study unearthed critical conclusion that Muslims do play a significant role in the socioeconomic empowerment of the youth in Makululu Community in particular, and Zambia in general. However, a few Non-Muslim Youths did not fully appreciate the impact of empowerment. This could be because Kabwe does not, as yet, have an Islamic Youth Centre for most youth to access information and support they need, as they do not visit the local Mosque. Appropriate recommendations are given.