PRESIDENT Banda has said Government will work towards promoting regional economic opportunities and commercial ties that are materially beneficial to the Zambian people.
He said since Zambia is landlocked, regional integration is key to the country’s economic development.
The President was speaking on the eve of Africa Freedom Day, which fell yesterday.
He said in two weeks, Zambia will host the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum, and that this is a proud moment for the country since it is hosting the event for the first time since its inception in 2000.
President Banda said the AGOA initiative offers tangible incentives for African countries to export to the United States, a country which is resource-hungry, while Zambia is a resource-rich nation.
He urged all Zambian entrepreneurs, especially the youth, to take advantage of AGOA incentives to enter the American market.
He said the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) identifies agriculture as a priority sector for real economic growth and poverty reduction in Zambia.
Mr Banda said his government will continue to support the sector to create jobs and improve the livelihoods of people, the majority of whom are the youth.
He said it is the youth who will continue to grow bumper harvests to feed tomorrow’s Zambia.
The President said he has been encouraged to see that a good number of people who applied successfully for land in the Nansanga Farm Block in Serenje district are young farmers.
“I urge you, our young people, to take advantage of these opportunities and turn up in even bigger numbers when my government opens up other farming blocks in all provinces,” he said.
This year’s theme for Africa Freedom Day is ‘Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development’.
He said the youth continue to face challenges such as unemployment, diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, drug and substance abuse.
The President said young people also suffer inadequate representation and limited participation in the decision-making process.
“These, and other challenges, limit the ability of the youth to effectively contribute to the sustainable economic development of the continent. If we are to build tomorrow’s Zambia, then their situation must improve,” he said.
President Banda said since independence, the country has made notable strides in youth empowerment and development.
He said some of the programmes designed to help the young people include the Youth Development Fund, which was re-introduced in 2010 with new guidelines aimed at easing access to finance.
The President said Government will continue to place special emphasis on pursuing youth-centred economic policies.
“We will encourage foreign investment in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The new mines which have been opened in the country have provided employment hopes for many young people,” he said.
He added that the K5 trillion Trident Sentinel Mining Project, which he recently launched in Solwezi, has the capacity to create more than 2,000 jobs.
President Banda said his government has also prioritised investment in health and education.
He said in the health sector, 24 district hospitals and 125 health posts are under construction and nearing completion.
He said the construction of the health facilities has not only addressed health problems, but has also created jobs for the youth.
“We are also rolling out the mobile hospitals to bring healthcare to remote places, to young and old. Some people are critical of the mobile units, do not be. They are part of an integrated health system, complementing existing services and helping to alleviate the pressures on hard-pressed doctors and nurses until new hospitals and clinics can be built,” he said.
In the education sector, President Banda said Government has made significant progress in the construction of basic and high schools.
He said the ongoing construction of 100 basic and high schools throughout the country underscores Government’s commitment to bringing education as close as possible to the youth.
He said further developments in the education sector include increased enrolment at grade one to seven by 108 percent, from 1.6 million students in 2000 to the current 3.3 million.
President Banda said Government is this year recruiting 7,000 more teachers.
The President said Zambia has continued to enjoy peace since independence.
“Our country is regarded as an oasis of peace not only in southern Africa, but also around the world.
He said the MMD government will continue to listen to divergent views from all sections of our society, including the youth to enhance participation in the governance of this country.
The President said as Zambia goes to the polls this year, citizens will be afforded an opportunity to elect leaders of their choice.
He urged all registered voters, especially the youth, to turn out in large numbers to cast their vote.
“It is your vote that will decide the course of tomorrow’s Zambia,” he said.
President Banda said to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections, Government will continue to uphold the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
He said this will enable the country to hold credible elections which will be locally and internationally-recognised.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
NOT JUST PROMISES, TELL US HOW THIS WILL BE DONE!
WE CALLED ON YOU BEFORE MONGU RIOTS TO GO AND ADDRESS THE PEOPLE, TO TAKE PROJECTS THERE AND NOT JUST ROADS
BE SERIOUS
This fool@1 Zambia is not just about Mongu. Its u fools who are shallow in thinking who breads ethinic wars. can t you for once think national????? Mongu mongu every day please we all don t come from Mongu.