By CHILA NAMAIKO –
MINISTRY of Labour and Social Security permanent secretary Barnaby Mulenga has said there is need to adopt and implement positive work culture in order to enhance productivity in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Mulenga has called for the setting up of an entrepreneurial development fund for the youth and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) run by the youth entrepreneurs.
He said this could create a pool of self-employed individuals that would establish a solid base of future captains of industry.
Outlining a number of recommendations when he appeared before a Parliamentary Committee on Youth, Sport and Child Affairs yesterday, Mr Mulenga said the country should also formalise internship and apprenticeship programmes for young people to adequately prepare them for the competitive labour market requirements.
He was submitting to the Committee chaired by United Party for National Development (UPND) Kalabo Central Member of Parliament (MP) Chinga Miyutu on the subject ‘ Youth unemployment in Zambia’.
“There is need to develop a comprehensive and functional labour market information system that can help in linking the youth to various employment opportunities,” he said.
The committee heard that more resources were allocated towards youth employment and empowerment programmes including skills development.
Among them were youth and women empowerment funds, and citizens empowerment funds of which should target the youth both male and females.
Mr Mulenga called for more support to SME’s and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and facilitate sustainable job creation.
In response to a follow-up question from UPND Chikankanta parliamentarian Chrispin Mwiinga, who wanted an update in percentage form on the one million jobs President Edgar Lungu recently mentioned, Mr Mulenga said positive strides were being made by Government in creation of more jobs in various economic sectors and the agenda would soon be realised.