07 Aug 2019

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has developed a draft National Employment Policy in order to address the high rate of unemployment, which currently stands at 17.7 per cent.

Responding to a question in Parliament, finance and economic development minister, Mr Kenneth Matambo, said the draft policy focused on some strategic areas, which if properly implemented, would assist government in partnership with the private sector to reduce the unemployment rate from the current level to a single digit.

Mr Matambo said it was worth noting that the role of the government was to create a conducive environment for the private sector to generate sustainable jobs.

He said the ministry had taken extensive consultations on the draft policy with relevant stakeholders starting with the private secotr, including trade unions, workers associations, civil society and development partners.

Mr Matambo said the ministry was finalising consultations within government after which the draft policy would be submitted to cabinet for approval.

He was answering a question from MP for Tati West, Mr Biggie Butale who had wanted to know if government had any new plans to reduce unemployment, which was estimated to be at 20 per cent.ENDS