Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has launched the 2015 National Youth Policy and Action Plan on Empower and Employment which he says must result in the creation of more than 500,000 jobs for the youth by the end of 2016.
President Lungu has since declared an end to the era of rhetoric that succeeds on scoring short term political mileage at the expense of long term sustainable national and youth development goals.
Speaking during the launch of the two documents in Lusaka this morning, President Lungu says the 500,000 jobs will be created through implementation of the national apprenticeship and internship schemes which should create employment for the unskilled youth within participating companies, expansion of low interest credit facilities targeting new and growing youth-led enterprises, and provision of ongoing business support services including mentorship to youth-led businesses.
President Lungu says he expects the Ministries of Finance and youth and sport to work together on the modalities of achieving this.
The Head of State has since directed all State and non State actors to immediately start mainstreaming youth empowerment at all levels.
He has also reiterated his call to the youth to reflect on their obligations, responsibilities and contributions towards national development, as government continues to create opportunities for youth empowerment.
Speaking earlier, UN Zambia Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan commended the Zambian government for launching the National Youth Policy and Action Plan to coincide with the International Youth Day which falls today under the theme “Youth Civic Engagement”.
And Youth and Sport Minister Vincent Mwale has observed that by personally officiating at the launch of the Youth Policy and Action Plan, President Lungu has demonstrated his commitment to addressing issues affecting youths in the country.