COPPERBELT YOUTH COOPERATIVES SUPPORTED WITH TIMBER PROCESSING MACHINES

…as Ministry of Youth and Sports Launches Timber Value Chain youth empowerment programme

Sixteen Youth Cooperatives on the Copperbelt have been empowered with ten timber processing machines worth over K500,000.

This is part of the Timber value chain youth empowerment programme launched by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday.

The equipment was procured from ZAFFICO on loan basis

And Acting Permanent Secretary Cade Chikobo said the sixteen youth groups translates into 400 young beneficiaries in timber sector.

Mr Chikobo said it is the expectation of government that the empowerment will contribute to timber production in Zambia.

“It is governments desire that the timber value chain will create employment, wood processors, timber sellers, as well as those involved in the manufacturing of finished products,” he said.

Mr Chikobo said Youth empowerment initiatives being provided are responding to the various issues that youths repeatedly raised at various fora.

“This is a clear demonstration of governments’ commitment in addressing the plight of the youth and enhance their well-being and their contribution to national development,” he said

He added that Government will continue creating an enabling environment for youths to thrive as well as work with all stakeholders to empower them.

And Speaking when he received the equipment on behalf of the Cooperatives, Copperbelt province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe challenged youths to display outstanding behaviour in the manner they use the equipment.

Mr Nundwe called for order and sanity among young people, urging them not take the Empowerment programme for granted.

“This is a sound and profound programme which President Edgar Lungu has initiated for you to benefit financially and he has exhibited true leadership.

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