Serenje District Commissioner Paul Masuwa has encouraged youth entrepreneurs to work diligently to grow their businesses, stating that their success will help strengthen the local economy and create jobs for fellow young people.
Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr Masuwa said youth-led businesses have the potential to significantly contribute to the district’s development.
He urged young people to take full advantage of government empowerment programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAAF) loans.
Mr Masuwa also revealed that Serenje will open a skills resource centre next year, where youths will receive free training in carpentry, food production and other practical skills.
Meanwhile, youth entrepreneur Matildah Mwelwa, who runs a salon employing three young people, praised the government’s empowerment efforts.
“My business has been performing well with the help of the youths I employed. I am confident that if young people take these opportunities seriously, we can achieve great success in Serenje District. However, many youths fail to utilize the programmes available to them,” Ms Mwelwa said.
She appealed to government to continue fighting corruption in public offices to ensure empowerment programmes are more accessible.
Ms. Mwelwa further called for increased sensitisation, especially in rural areas, so that more young people can benefit.
