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The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has applauded government for releasing K20.3 million youth development fund set to be distributed countrywide.
YALI executive board secretary Mundia Hakoola however emphasized the need for the funds to be disbursed in a transparent and accountable manner.
Speaking in a telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Hakoola said the distribution should be done equally and on merit to all deserving youths regardless of their political affiliation.
He expressed concern in the manner in which the funds were previously disbursed noting that a number of concerns were raised including that of giving youths contracts without documentation.
Mr. Hakoola has since called on government to consider distributing the funds through banks to ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hakoola noted that there is need to mentor and offer entrepreneurship skills to youths as they are being given the funds.
He said this was going to ensure sustainability in the various projects which the youths will later embark on.
Mr. Hakoola also appealed to government to continue increasing the youth development fund annually considering the growing youth population.
And Unemployment Association of Zambia president Mpundu Mwanamwelwa has expressed happiness with the development.
Mr. Mwanamwelwa said this clearly shows government’s commitment in empowering and improving the welfare of unemployed youths in the country.
He urged the youths to take advantage of the funds and use them wisely thereby contributing to the country’s national development.
Recently, Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili announced that government has released K20.3 million youth development fund for 2014, representing a budgetary growth of 81 per cent from 2012.
Mr. Kambwili also announced that government has provided for K29.1 million in the 2015 national budget for youth development fund.
