By HOPE MUSONDA
THE Fresh Minds Movement and Entrepreneurship (FMME) has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s national address on Tuesday, praising the government’s renewed commitment to economic recovery, energy expansion, food security, debt sustainability and improved public-sector governance.
FMME executive director Kabanda Kaoma said President Hichilema’s message of unity, peace and constructive engagement was timely and aligned with the organisation’s mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Mr Kaoma stated that young people often played a central role in sustaining democracy and driving the country’s long-term development agenda.
He has however stressed that meaningful change would require more than policy pronouncements from government because people’s lives were not improving at the rate the economy was growing.
“Government should ensure that implementation of policies and developmental programmes is precise, inclusive, transparent and youth-centred. Government should endeavour to place young Zambians at the heart of economic participation,” Mr Kaoma said.
Mr Kaoma has outlined several priority areas for the government, including accelerating youth access to opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, technology and renewable energy.
He has called for stronger entrepreneurship support systems, accessible financing, skills development and business incubation at ward and constituency levels.
He also pushed for fair and transparent recruitment in the public service so that qualified youths can benefit from newly created positions on merit.
“Young people should be meaningfully represented in decision-making platforms and involved in assessing the impact of national policies,” he said.
Mr Kaoma urged Government to strengthen the effectiveness of Constituency Development Fund programmes and vocational training centres, emphasising the need to eliminate corruption, delays and political interference to ensure youth receive intended benefits.
“We remain ready to work with government, civil society and the private sector to nurture a generation of innovative and entrepreneurial young Zambians, stressing that the country’s future depends on effectively harnessing youth talent and creativity,” he said.
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