FANNY KALONDA
Lusaka
SPECIAL Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba says President Hakainde Hichilema has called for a meeting with financial institutions like banks to plug into the Imisepela application as partners for employment and loan opportunities for young people.
Mr Kayumba says this is aimed at increasing the opportunities for young people in getting jobs and loans.
He said companies can also use the platform as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) by adding available opportunities on the application.
“I can tell you something for a fact the President has called for a meeting, to be happening during the course of this month, where you bring these employers together, including financiers, banks.
“… We have this platform [Imisepela], there are all these young people, they are looking for loans, they are looking for jobs, find a way to plug in as a partner, so they can access the opportunities you have,” he said when he featured on the Imisepela podcast on Monday night.
Mr Kayumba said the platform can further be used for development planning to show where there is need for certain services.
“This is why Imisepela is important, because you get to have a clear view of the concentration where unemployment is highest or lowest.
“So, for me, this does allow for beyond seeking to create a bridge of opportunity for youths, it actually can be a tool for development planning,” he said.
Mr Kayumba said the platform has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to provide apprenticeship programmes.
He said there will be more linkages to opportunities across government as more people use the platform.
“…Multiple institutions from Smart Zambia, Ministry of Sport, Youth and Arts, and, by the way, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Arts has a grant programme that they are yet to place on the app, but the provision is there.”
Mr Kayumba added that the application will be refined on how opportunities will be provided.
“The app has artificial intelligence in it. If I am a youth who does not fulfil the 5-10 years’ experience element, it should be able to know me and, based on my profile alone, show me only what I am eligible for. My encouragement even to the Imisepela team is to refine the app.”…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
