Government has launched the six million United States Dollars Aquaculture seed fund Youth Empowerment Initiative under the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development project.
Vice President Inonge Wina, who launched the initiative, says the seed fund will help the youths venture into aquaculture value chain .
Mrs Wina says the fund will also build capacity for youths who lack skills and knowledge in aquaculture as a business venture.
She says 62 million Kwacha has already been approved for empowering youths in 10 provinces.
Mrs Wina has since urged youths to take advantage and apply to benefit from the fund.
The Vice President, who was speaking in Lusaka today, said the Government is committed to carrying out empowerment programmes that will uplift the lives of all.
She further said those that benefit from the fund should pay back the loans, so that other youths can benefit .
Mrs Wina said through the initiative the country is expected to reduce the 87 thousand fish deficit thereby enhancing economic development and poverty reduction.
And Livestock Minister Nkandu Luo said the ministry will give 6 Million United states dollars to youths in the country so that they can participate actively .
Prof Luo said the ministry continues to give 30 percent of projects to youths further advising them to acquire more information so that they can benefit from empowerment programmes.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga said there is need for Government to address the challenges that youths are facing such as Tax rebates.
Mr Mulenga also said youths in the country are requesting for 10 percent of the 20 percent local contractors policy in construction works.
He said this will enable youths to be active participants in the development of the country.
And Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya urged youths in the country to carry the national flag high in building the factual image of the country.
Ms Siliya said the youths should provide solutions to the challenges that the country is facing because there are various opportunities that lie in it.
And Lands Minister Jean Kapata said the land policy once enacted will enable youths to have the opportunity to own land.
Ms Kapata said the ministry has made progress with the land policy further stating that the document was supposed to be undergoing the validation process but has been delayed due to covid-19.
She noted that owning land is a viable resource because youths will be able to undertake various economic activities such as agriculture.
SOURCE: ZNBC
