By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
A YOUTH leader in the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has commended President Edgar Lungu for undertaking foreign trips, particularly the latest trip to China.
Copperbelt FDD youth chairperson Cephas Musonda said in an interview that President Lungu’s foreign trips should not be condemned because they are opportunities for Government to attract proper investors who can offer jobs to youths.
Mr Musonda said Zambia’s international profile has declined and that President Lungu needs to do all he can to raise the profile and help the youth get employment.
Mr Musonda said the Government, however, should not just look out for praises but take in constructive criticism as well.
He said youth unemployment in Zambia is high and the Government needs to do more to create an environment that supports formal employment for youths. Mr Musonda also said the Government should revise the retirement age to lower than 55 years old. He said it was not enough that President Lungu amended the retirement clause and allowed for early retirement at 55, but that more should be done to create job opportunities for youths by reducing the retirement age.
