An economist has observed that Zambia’s economic growth of about 5.5 percent in the last ten years has not resulted in an improved social welfare of the people in communities because of high unemployment levels amongst youths and women.
Professor Oliver Saasa, who is also Mulungushi University Chancellor, has noted that the country has in the last ten years posted about 5.5 percent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) which he said has not translated into real improvement in the social welfare of its people.
Prof. Saasa said statistics from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) show that about 83 percent of the country’s population was in employment but observed that 75 percent of this is found in the agricultural sector where the youths and the majority of poor people belong.
He explained that youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Zambia because of various factors that include lack of entrepreneurial skills, poor policy direction and lack of employment opportunities in the formal sector.
Prof. Saasa was speaking at the youth conference dubbed ‘shaping our Future, which was organized by the British Council in Lusaka yesterday.
He stated that over 70 percent of Zambia’s population comprises of the youths and 75 percent of them are unemployed and do not contribute to the growth of the country.
He stressed that 250,000 young people graduate from schools every year without skill to enable them be employed in the industries.
Prof. Saasa said this has further contributed to the high level of unemployment in the
country.
He observed that government should looks at the employment policy for young people and equip them with skill in order to deal with the high youth unemployment.
He has meanwhile bemoaned the unequal distribution of the country’s wealth stating that 10 percent of people control 80 percent of Zambia’s riches leaving the majority with fewer opportunities.
And speaking at the same function, British Council Country Director Wayne Harper pointed out that imparting entrepreneurial skills in youths was very critical to the country.
Mr. Harper explained that the council was determined to empower young people with skills through the various programmes in order to position them for employment.
He further observed that unemployment amongst youths was high in the country hence the decision by the council to host the conference for young people.
Sure ka!
economic data ka! scary mwe,,, but dont worry your president in montoring the situation on facebook
A bigger pie still better than a small one. Sad but more crumbs for the people to scavenge on…
sure mwandi
Prof. Saasa we need solutions from you not lamentations! You are a special person by the fact that you are a professor and society expects more from you. Well I do. You should also try to correct the wrong notion of young people being in leadership. Young people should be involved in production as they are energetic both mentally and physically. Leadership should be left to wise and experienced people who are in most cases old. The best way to empower youths is to give them education and training in various skills. If everyone becomes a leader, who is going to work? Do you wonder why even adverts like the airtel money animation are not done by Zambian artists/computer experts. We cant even produce animated movies like boondocks and the like.
Prof Sasa you are even worried when we still have some growth, hold your comment till the end of 2015.
Can someone list what these programms to help young people are because I read about these programs in the news but no one says where or what they are. Some of us have relatives that could benefit ka.
Wake up and smell the coffee!
They are in Sata and his PF imagination! Lots of PF LIES and no reality.
Just like Scotts 600,000 new jobs created by PF government.
Useless LOZI professor? u chashed Prof. Chirwa from Zambia Railways, now we have no subWAYS not even a train moving at 80km/h…Pull him down syndrome yau puba
Why does the fact that he is Lozi have to come into your criticism of him as weak as it may be?
Yeah, messed up Chirwa, on account of jealous.
Block employment statistics need to be analysted further in terms of the incomes accruing to the so-called 83% of our labour force. Being employed does not necessarily mean having access to sufficient income to sustain the livelihood of an individual or household in terms of financial ability to access the necessities of life such as: good quality water supply, energy (electricity, coal, firewwod for energy), education (fees and transportation to and from school), adequate food stocks (3 meals per day on a balanced diet) from pay-day to pay-day, good shelter (own house or rented), good clothing and beddings (not shivering in the cold)and many other physical needs. Do the official statistics on emplyment show a breakdown of the different forms of employment as well as income levels and how
Interpreting labour statistics is a subject of its own. Zambians are thirsty for knowledge especially that our reading culture is so low. The prof. just made hint on a subject politicians love to toy around with. There is need to analyse the income and poverty implications of our CSO data. Most of the so-called employed Zambians especially youth are doing jobs they would gladly dump given an alternative (disguised and underemployment). Most farm work is seasonal while jobs in the construction industry are temporary and low-paying. Working in your uncle’s shop does not give you good disposable cash income.
Hi very inspirational indeed, ba Nine Chale et al, limbi nimwe ba John solyo bwali!! here is a typical scenario, I am resident in Kitwe whose SME has been funded by CEEC to build a Milk processing plant which will employ about 45 people. We have submitted all documents & put up collateral with Finance Bank. The process started last year 2013 with submission of project proposal notes, ours was picked & were invited to prepare a biznes plan of which we were given an offer of funding early January 2014. Up to now money has not been released. Kwacha is now 6.2 to a $, CEEC Glenda Masebe was on TV confirming that funding for 2013 has been done, they are inviting for funding applications for 2014. So where is the money? Why should it take over 1 year to fund a project? I am sure even other…