Youth leader urges financial literacy

A Patriotic Front (PF) youth leader has called for equal access to financial literacy and economic resources.

Newly appointed Lusaka province PF interim committee youth treasurer, Robster Mwanza of Chongwe made the appeal in an interview with the Daily Nation during rehearsals for youth day celebrations at the freedom statue in Lusaka.

“I have noticed that the rural youth have less information on sources of finance for their entrepreneurial undertakings. Financial literacy remains a challenge for the rural youth, without which the rural youth cannot improve their welfare.

“Most of the youth economic empowerment programme also runs along the line of rail. It is time that we increased information dissemination to the rural youths. They must not be left behind even as we seek to develop an industrialise Zambia.

“I want to thank the PF leadership for beginning to respond to this need. The entrepreneurial activities such as fish farming and goat rearing empowerment programmes are now packaged with series of training programmes.

“This must even be taken to a higher level for the rural youths because they need it more than urban counterparts who have access to financial information through various platforms,” he said.

Mr. Mwanza also thanked the PF government for creating an enabling environment for financial services in the rural communities.

“This story is changing under the PF because places like Rufunsa in Lusaka province will soon be connected to the national electricity grid through the rural electrification project.

“Many rural communities have already benefited. It is now up to financial service providers to explore the rural market for their financial products. Businesses must be encouraged to go into the rural areas because government has created an enabling environment,” he said.

Mr. Mwanza pledged to promote the inclusion of the rural youths in national development. He appealed to youths to join in commemorating this year’s youth day with renewed hope “because the nation had a caring President wanted to promote the inclusion of the youth in the governance of the country”.