A senior government official in Southern Province says President Michael Sata is determined to fight poverty through the empowerment of youths with survival skills.
Deputy Permanent Secretary, Douglas Ngimbu, says President Sata wants youths to acquire skills that will enable them become self-sustaining and participate in the development of the country.
Mr Ngimbu says government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sport, is also giving out youth empowerment funds to deserving citizens.
He was speaking in Choma today during a certificate presentation for youths who underwent a training programme on business entrepreneurship facilitated by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
Mr Ngimbu said youths should help in developing the country through job creation from their businesses, thus contributing to economic growth.
‘’The sky is the limit. So do not look down on yourselves. Most developed countries in the world are flourishing because of the positive contributions that young people are making,’’ he said.
Mr Ngimbu advised the youths not to misuse the funds once given the loans but encouraged them to engage in meaningful investments that could help their business to grow, adding that whenever they had difficulties they should be able to engage government.