Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Euromonitor Report of 2018 has ranked Zambia as a country with the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the region.
According to the illicit alcohol trade research finding presented in the Euromonitor report in Lusaka today, Zambia has stood out first at 9.84% followed by South Africa.
The Euromonitor report of 2018 was presented today by Mrs. Carmen Van Niekerk at the Zambia Breweries mentorship and youth empowerment program held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.
ZANIS reports that Vice President, Inonge Wina who was represented by Permanent Secretary, in her Office Stephen Mwansa, said for Zambia to realize its vision of becoming a prosperous middle income country by 2030, the youth must take the lead.
The Vice President said government is determined to mainstream the young people in the socio-economic development of the country by developing and implementing policies that will create an enabling environment for young people to fully participate in the national development.
Ms. Wina welcomed the newly launched mentorship and youth empowerment program saying the program will help young people and make the communities better.
And Bridges Limited Managing Consultant, Chibamba Kanyama who was among the panelists said illicit alcohol affects not only the consumers of the product but the families and the nation at large.
Mr. Kanyama said the effects of illicit alcohol have devastating effects on the economic growth of the country.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer, Chipego Zulu stated that illicit trade of alcohol is impacting negatively on the revenue of the manufacturers of alcohol who she said, have invested heavily in the industry.
And Zambia Breweries Country Director, Jose Moran disclosed that his company is committed to curbing underage drinking noting that, the vise robes the future of young people.