Maravi

Kanyama bemoans low investment in youth programmes

Kanyama bemoans low investment in youth programmes
Written by Florence Bupe
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 2:38:45 PM

ECONOMIST Chibamba Kanyama has bemoaned the country’s low investment levels in promoting youth entrepreneurship through infrastructure development.

Kanyama observed that while the country was grappling with low employment levels, there was little effort to ensure economic independence among the youth.

“There is need to harmonise the efforts of government and the private sector that are aimed at developing the socioeconomic infrastructure for the development of young people in Zambia. The economic turmoil being experienced by the country has had its worst impact on young people,” Kanyama said.

“An estimated two million youths are eligible for employment but cannot be taken up by industry due to limited prospects in economic growth and low investment.”

Kanyama advised that the framework that supports youth development in Zambia should accommodate key economic players such as the government and the private sector.

He said the government should also consider providing industrial incentives for youth employment, as well as support programmes aimed at encouraging youth initiatives.

“The lending institutions for example can directly lend money to young people owing to their ability to innovate and create value. The government’s socioeconomic priority in its development plans as well as the national budget should focus on laying a strong economic foundation that will empower the youths in future,” he said.

Kanyama further called on the government to address the problem of income inequalities, which he noted impacted more on the youth.

“The national leaders at every level should have a long-term perspective and always seek for policies that strengthen the structures favourable for youth development. The country’s investments by both the public and private sector should be in long term projects,” he said.

Kanyama said the prevailing economic challenges in the country should not be left unattended, and emphasised that there should be increased investments to cushion the country’s economy against future setbacks.

“We are celebrating the Youth Day for 2009 against a backdrop of reduced government spending, low growth rate and reduction in employment levels by the mining sector. This should not stop the government, the private sector and the public from investing in the future so that even if we have a temporary setback as a nation, the future is well-secured,” said Kanyama.

Labels: CHIBAMBA KANYAMA, YOUTHS

posted by MrK @ 2:38 PM