Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has encouraged youths to come up with innovative ideas that will help transform the agriculture sector into a viable business as they contribute towards mitigation of climate change. 

Speaking at the Opportunities for Youth in Africa (OYA) graduation ceremony and final pitch day, Mr Nkandu said the initiatives made by the youths will help to ensure food security in the country through the skills they are acquiring.

Mr Nkandu has advised youths to think of youth empowerment not only as fund acquisition but also as a way of acquiring knowledge and skills.    

The Opportunities for Youth in Africa (OYA) programme was organised Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) in partnership with Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC).

He has since called on FAO to extend their services to other institutions in order for other people to be trained on how to get involved in agriculture.

The Minister noted that FAO should also ensure that youths acquire the essential skills in climate smart agriculture and agribusiness in order for them to be the agents of climate change mitigation.

Speaking at the same event, FAO Country representative, Suze Filippini, said the organisation is committed to reducing poverty and fostering inclusive rural transformation.

Ms Filippini explained that the transformation can be done through the enhancement of agriculture business skills of Zambian youths and promoting decent jobs within agricpreneur systems.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC) Executive Director, Nambula Kachumi, has commended government’s support towards creating an enabling environment in supporting youths to transition successfully into the agricultural economy.  

The Opportunities for Youths in Africa programme, which saw 54 youths graduating was themed “Empowering young women and men in agribusiness to lead inclusive rural transformation in Africa”.