Govt grants loans to 122 Lusaka youth groups

Speaking during the disbursement of the 122 cheques to successful applicants, Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili says due to the increased number of youths applying for the Youth Development Fund, government through the Ministry of Finance will double the allocation in next year’s National Budget.

Mr. Chishimba notes that youths face a lot of challenges and that the Patriotic Front (PF) government has a huge responsibility to ensure that more youths benefit from the fund.

He says from the two hundred and five (205) youth groups that have so far benefited from the loan facility, six hundred and thirty (630) jobs have been created.

He is hopeful that the recipients will use the money prudently and contribute positively to national development.

Mr. Kambwili says government will not tolerate misuse of the funds warning that those found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

He has also urged all the beneficiaries to pay back the money or face the wrath of the law.

Speaking at the same event, Lusaka Province Minister, Phillip Kosamu, says it is evident that Lusaka Province has the highest number of youths who are unemployed and thus the need to empower more of them.

Mr. Kosamu says over six hundred and eighty (680) youth groups applied for the fund but only one hundred and twenty two groups were successful.

He has since urged those groups which did not succeed not to relent but continue to work hard and expect that they will be successful next time.