HH urges focus on approach in addressing unemployment

United Party for National Development (UPND) Leader Hakainde Hichilema says instead of committing to creating a specific number of jobs in view of the high unemployment in the country, there is need to commit to an approach.

Mr Hichilema in a statement made available to QFM News says it is not surprising that statements by politicians promising to create so many jobs have come to mean very little.

He says there is need to match the country’s education and training initiatives to the jobs and opportunities available.

Mr Hichilema says government can only do this by regularly consulting with industry and education professionals to identify the opportunities and then acting decisively.

He adds that government must also support and empower budding entrepreneurs.

Mr Hichilema states that by developing the relevant skills in the youth, a positive knock-on effect can be created.

He says there is need to investment in relevant skills targeted at youths who will help develop the value addition industries because this is an area where the knock-on benefit will be considerable both in terms of job creation and supporting the Kwacha.

Mr Hichilema points out that Rwanda a country without rich mineral resources is managing its economy and achieving growth rates of 7% and more by investing in their people to drive growth.