Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
At least 17,000 jobs opportunities are expected to be created in the cassava value chain under the US$30 million skills and entrepreneurship government project which has been launched today.
The project which is targeted at women and youths is funded by African Development Bank (AfDB) and will be implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, trade and industry through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) during a period of six months.
Margret Mwanakatwe
Speaking during the official launch of the project in Lusaka today, Commerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says government envisages the creation of a further 4,000 sustainable jobs for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
Ms. Mwanakatwe notes that this is in addition to training 200 business development service providers who will graduate as certified Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs).
She says government thus takes this project as one of initiatives it believes will spur its agenda of industrialization.
Speaking earlier, AfDB resident representative Damoni Kitabire says the project whose funding was approved in October last year is in line with the bank’s long term strategy.
Mr. Kitabire says this is why it is being operationalized through the bank’s five high priorities.
He says the bank is pleased with the commitment the Zambian government has shown towards the implementation of the project.