08 Jul 2020

Shortage of operational spaces still poses a threat to youth-funded projects.

COVID-19 issue has also exacerbated the issue.

Speaking in an interview recently, Francistown District Youth Coordinator, Mr Caiphus Kopelang said after the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC), funded about 58 youth projects for the 2019/2020 year, some of them failed to start at the stipulated time after the operational spaces they secured were re-occupied by the owners.

He said land in Francistown was in high demand, adding that had there been land, the ministry would encourage the youth to venture into poultry feed and egg production as well as chicken farming because agriculture had proven that it could sustain the country’s economy.

Mr Kopelang highlighted that youth faced cross- border challenges due to COVID-19 as most of them purchased their rwa raw materials outside the country.

He said those offering such services as tent hire were also not spared from the effects of the pandemic as wedding celebrations, funerals and associated activities were halted and later on the numbers of attendants reduced.

He said even though some of the youth businesses were disadvantaged, some benefited from the pandemic, such as those in pharmaceutical services as they managed to sell more of their products, since the demand was high.

Further, he said the cleaning services sector also benefitted from the pandemic as they were engaged in fumigating and disinfecting some areas.

Mr Kopelang said the majority of the youth opted for business services as opposed to other sectors, adding that her office had funded 40 service projects, only two under the agriculture sector and 16 in the manufacturing sector.

He said the reason behind more youth choosing the service sector was that the market was readily available and in high demand as compared to other sectors. Ends