200 youths and 16 Cooperatives have been empowered with skills and grants in Ngabwe district of  Central Province.

Council Public Relations Officer, Christopher Habukali says the skills development was supported with K640, 000 from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) under empowerment grants and skills development components.

Mr Habukali said the move will give Ngabwe an Economic facelift as many youths will venture in to businesses.

He  observed that Ngabwe has over the years suffered high unemployment  which contributed to the high levels of poverty especially among the youths.

“With the empowerment the district would witness the opening of small businesses in poultry, goat rearing, block making wholesale and grocery stores among others.” He stated.   

He said that the  training of the 200 youths in skills such as heavy machinery, confectionaries, driving, mechanics is aimed at helping them contribute to the development of the district by engaging in income generating activities.

Mr Habukali said the district has potential to develop through the ongoing empowerment program.

He stated, “Ngabwe is strategically positioned not just geographically but market wise as it links to towns like Luanshya, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Kasempa and Mumbwa districts.”

He further advised the youths take advantage of the strategic position of the district and venture into entrepreneurship to tap into the nearby markets to sell their products