National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has challenged youths in Thyolo District to change their mindset and view agro-business as a tool that can help them contribute positively to the development of the country.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphreys Mdyetseni, made the remarks at Luchenza in the district during an interface with 50 youths who will receive loans in the district.
Mdyetseni noted that most people are unable to contribute to development due to failure to have thriving businesses, which results in failing to pay taxes for the country’s development.
He said the entity is there to help the youth grow the economy by producing different agricultural products, which can earn them more profits.
“Youths here can have factories in the district for farm produce and doing value addition to crops like pigeon peas and cassava for export and address unemployment levels and urbanisation,” said Mdyetseni.
Chairperson for Youth Empowerment Forum for Thyolo District, Charles Chijere Chirwa, applauded NEEF for reaching out to the youth, saying it will help in raising their economic status.
Chirwa is optimistic that the initiative will reach many youths in villages.
According to NEEF, only 8,000 youths from the Shire Highlands Zone have benefited from the K4.1 billion out of K18.1 billion that was disbursed.
By Yohane Chizomola, Thyolo
