UNITED States Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella has called for more investment in the youth to equip them for the anticipated new wave of economic development.

The ambassador was speaking on arrival at Kasama Airport before kicking of his cycle tour of USAID-funded programmes in Northern Province.

Mr Storella, who was welcomed by provincial Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba, said the world was changing and Zambia's young generation needed skills that would enable them cope with the jobs of the future that would be mainly anchored on technological advancements.

The US is Zambia's biggest donor in education with more than US25 million committed to the sector this year.

This was because Mr Storella believed that provision of quality education would pave the way for development and success.

Ambassador Storella and his entourage that included local Government officials then cycled to Senior Chief Mwamba's palace to pay a courtesy call before proceeding to Ituna High School where he officially opened an ablution block facility and inspected a borehole sunk at the school with USAID funds.

He said water, sanitation, education and development were all tied together and made a difference, especially for the girl-child.

Addressing the pupils that had gathered to witness the occasion, Ambassador Storella encouraged them to turn themselves into success stories as they were the future of Zambia.

And Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe thanked the ambassador and American Government for its continued assistance in the education sector and water and sanitation.

He said the water and sanitation projects being supported by USAID were being implemented in eight districts with 3,315 teachers trained on how to integrate water and sanitation education in the curriculum.

Ambassador Storella winds up his tour on Thursday and will today continue his tour in Mbala.