29 Jan 2019

Government has spent over P38 million on 407 youth projects, but has received only 3.94 per cent in loan repayments, says Francistown District Youth Coordinator, Ms Minkie Bokole.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a three-day Youth Development Fund financial management training workshop in Francistown recently, Ms Bokole said “youth entrepreneurs fail to pay their loans in the process denying others a chance to benefit.”

She bemoaned the fact that young entrepreneurs failed to manage their finances well which led to the collapse of their businesses, adding that many could not account for their unimpressive financial flows.

Ms Bokole called on youth entrepreneurs to become financially wise in their businesses, and advised them  to take advantage of emerging opportunities and use them to grow their businesses.

Pointing out that government provided platforms for the benefit of youth businesses which they failed to utilise, she said they could use events such as annual business expos and the Northern Trade Fair to promote their businesses.

Youth entrepreneurs were also advised to work closely with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development.

For his part, the workshop facilitator, Mr Isaac Ketsile said he believed it would go a long way in making youth entrepreneurs financially literate, noting that it imparted entrepreneurial guidance, motivation and drive.

“I believe what they learnt here today will expose them to new opportunities and challenges and even motivate them to invest more in their businesses,” he said.

One youth entrepreneur, Ms Connie Moroka applauded the workshop for the initiative, saying it had fueled her with new ideas for growing her business and empowered her to use  her finances wisely.

 “I regard myself blessed for having attended the workshop,” she said and encouraged other young entrepreneurs to make it a habit of attending similar workshops. Ends