By PETER SICHALI
THE Ministry of Medium and Small Entrepreneurs Development should empower cadres who were occupying bus stations and markets with entrepreneurship and capital, Zambia Small Traders Cooperative Society (ZAMAST) Muchinga Province Coordinator Jasphat Chitimbwa has said.
Mr Chitimbwa said there were many youths who had entirely depended on bus stops and stations for survival.
“Our expectations are that this is the same ministry that should empower most youths that are known as cadres who only depended on bus stations and markets for survival,” Mr Chitimbwa said.
He said ZAMAST was ready to work with the new ministry to identify youths who could be trained and empowered with capital.
“It’s therefore, our task to identify credible youths who can be trained and empowered through the same ministry to fight unemployment,” Mr Chitimbwa said.
He said there were many youths who were graduates and were not doing anything due to lack of linkages and necessary skills.
“Most of them are in informal sector but they have difficulties in accessing funds and start-up capital,” he said.
Mr Chitimbwa said during President Frederick Chiluba’s administration, there was a Vendors Desk at State House which was mismanaged due to lack of necessary structures.
Mr Chitimbwa commended President Hakainde Hichilema for creating the new ministry which he said will go a long way in addressing unemployment and poverty in the country.
