Speaking during the launch of the inaugural EU Youth Sounding Board — a 25-member volunteer advisory group that will guide the EU Delegation on policies in climate, education and digital transformation — Nkandu said many young people are failing to take advantage of existing opportunities because they prefer “fast money” over long-term economic empowerment ventures such as agriculture.
The minister said he has consistently encouraged youths to take up land allocated to them, but feedback indicates that large portions of it remain untouched.
“In Mufumbwe, we have 26,000 hectares for young people. But not even one hectare has been utilized,” Nkandu said.
“We also have 5,000 to 6,000 hectares in North-Western Province waiting for you. So no one should come to me talking about lack of access to land. It is already there, it is just waiting for you,” he added.
Nkandu warned that many youths are excluding themselves from empowerment opportunities by failing to engage with government systems designed to support them.
He explained that young people interested in farming can access land through Youth Resource Centres or Provincial Youth Offices. Government, he said, is prepared to support beneficiaries with basic farming equipment once they secure land.
“At least get three to five hectares. We can help with equipment. That is employment,” he said.
“But because young people want fast money, they ignore agriculture, yet it has the potential to employ the largest number of youths.”
Meanwhile, Nkandu reminded youths that agriculture, digital skills, mining, local content supply chains and renewable energy remain open sectors with vast opportunities that require their active participation if the country is to achieve meaningful economic progress.
