88054 CONTE NT In September 2013, the World Bank launched the second Zambia Economic Brief, entitled Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground. The intention of the brief was to present EDITORIAL In reading these responses, you will find a broad range of discussion, often provocative, as to how Zambia’s employment challenges can be tackled. The conclusions are the 4 data and analysis relating to jobs and authors’ own; there are those who find AGRICULTURE unemployment in Zambia, and in a the core issue to be one of education manner that might stimulate further and skills trainings, whilst others focus public discussion. The report was on policies that could improve produc- intentionally written more as a diagno- tivity in agriculture. The students discuss The Brief in Brief: The Big Picture . . . . . . . . . 1 issues as diverse as cultural mind-set, sis of the problem than it was a Land, Zambia’s biggest economic weapon . . . . . . . . . 5 prescription of how that problem absence of entrepreneurial training, Youth Speak . . . . . . . . . 8 Value addition is the route to profit making in farming . . . . . . . . . 10 should be addressed. It highlighted the weaknesses in labour laws and low The Brief in Brief: Agriculture . . . . . . . . . 13 fact that whilst most Zambians are investments in agriculture research and Agriculture, the untapped job creator . . . . . . . . . 14 employed, a large number of them development. Agriculture, more than just a part-time job . . . . . . . . . 17 remain mired in poverty because their Bio-fuels, the Zambian agricultural sector’s cash cow . . . . . . . . . 20 earnings from work are low. It drew In reading the articles, I am thrilled to A competitive agricultural sector is one cure . . . . . . . . . 24 attention to the low productivity evident see the level of engagement, analysis Agriculture is a critical pillar of rural growth . . . . . . . . . 27 in the agriculture sector as well as the and passion that is demonstrated by Diversification is the route to rural enrichment . . . . . . . . . 30 fact that most of the unemployed are in this promising generation. They have 36 We ploughed profits back into the community . . . . . . . . . 33 fact urban youth from relatively better taken the World Bank data, off families. In presenting these findings challenged it, drawn upon other EDUCATION among others, our intention was to use resources and made conclusions that the report to start a series of public are deeply informed and considered. discussions and debates that would And in doing so, they remind institutions IMPROVEMENT endeavor to draw out Zambian like the World Bank of the importance solutions to the problems reflected in of bringing these innovative voices to the data. the fore. Clearly, there is much to be gained by allowing Zambia’s youth to “Learn to do a job rather than learn to get a job!” . . . . . . . . . 37 The response was overwhelming. The have a proactive voice in discussions of An educated workforce is pivotal for Zambia’s development . . . . . . . . . 40 Universities’ television debate competi- policy direction and development. The Brief in Brief: Education . . . . . . . . . 43 tion was not only exciting but it was 48 Learning how to think and not what to think is the key . . . . . . . . . 45 also thought provoking. Equal to the This edition is a small attempt on our WORKING task, was the nationwide writing part to do better at engaging a competition whose results are featured diversity of voices on critical develop- in this edition of home-grown Zambian ment issues. My hope is that you will POOR response to the facts and figures come away from it, as I did, with an shared in the Zambia Economic Brief. impression of how much the solution to The featured writers comprise students Zambia’s own development problems from across Zambia who were are in the hands of Zambians them- Tackling productivity is the key to improving earnings . . . . . . . . . 49 competitively selected as part of the selves. My heartfelt congratulations go Tufola ama five zale sistele . . . . . . . . . 51 ‘Think Jobs’ writing competition. They out to the students for their efforts and Zambia needs labour law reforms” . . . . . . . . . 54 were trained to write articles that commitment. The partnership with the 59 The Brief in Brief: Population . . . . . . . . . 57 tackled economic subjects in a manner policy makers, the private sector, the ECONOMIC accessible to a public audience. They CSOs and the students has made this a were then invited to write their own unique experience for the World Bank response pieces on the topic of jobs Group. GROWTH and unemployment in Zambia. The best writers have been offered an internship at the World Bank. The route to prosperity for all? Smart investment of our mining revenue. . . . . . . . . 60 The Brief in Brief: The Public Sector . . . . . . . . . 63 The beautiful ones are not yet born . . . . . . . . . 64 Kundhavi Kadiresan Design and Production By: The solution is in how we use public funds . . . . . . . . . 67 Kundhavi Country Kadiresan Director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe WAY ADS Zambia needs to nurture its SMEs . . . . . . . . . 70 The World Bank Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe Long Acres, Lusaka, Zambia “Don’t knock, kulibe nchito” . . . . . . . . . 73 The views in these articles are those of the authors tel: +260 977 32 40 95 Emaiil: wayads@rocketmail.com The Brief in Brief: The Public Sector. . . . . . . . . 76 and do not reflect the views of the World Bank 1 2 The Brief in Brief: The Big Picture TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia 3 4 Picture Source: Felix Clay/Duckrabbit/worldfish THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR CAN CREATE JOBS ON A BROAD SCALE AND LIFT RURAL COMMUNITIES OUT OF POVERTY AUTHORS: MERCY F ZULU | ABEL CHONGO | IPYANA CHINDINDINDI | GRACIOUS M’HANGO | MUKUKA MULENGA | WINSTON MULEBA | KELVIN CHILESHE | PAMELA LUBASI | AUSTINE WAMUNYIMA 5 6 Land, Zambia’s biggest economic weapon Picture Source: Felix Clay/Duckrabbit By Mercy F Zulu permanent residence in this locality, members through agriculture. form of rivers, lakes and swamps listened to the challenges that this Approximately 8 kilo-­ I realised dismally that others unde- Formed in 2005, the cooperative with a land surface of approxi- cooperative faced and upon metres off the road to niably call this home. specialises in arable farming of mately 740 000 sq km; sadly it’s further research, realised that I had THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE vegetables such as cabbage, reported that only about 14% is collided with the classic example of THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE Solwezi in the Copper-­ The main economic activity in carrots as well as groundnuts and cultivated every year commercially adversity and how it affected small AGRICULTURAL SECTOR belt province, one is Kansoka is agriculture; it’s the single maize; albeit, nine years in exist- ence, there has not been substan- and albeit, the agricultural sector scale farmers in this country. CAN CREATE JOBS ON A most important livelihood for the being a major contributor to the BROAD SCALE AND LIFT unpleasantly wel-­ locals, ranging from employment tial development in the lives of its nation’s annual Gross Domestic The first and most obvious griev- members and furthermore the com- RURAL COMMUNITIES comed by a dusty on private farms, self-employment through subsist- to munity at large. This is the primary Product (GDP), its complete poten- tial has not yet been realised; addi- ance the farmers raised was the lack of sufficient finances. Food OUT OF POVERTY gravel road that pilots them ence farming and finally peasant concern not only for the people of tionally, despite being the chief Reserve Agency (FRA) through the to a remote settlement deep into farming. The average local lives by Kansoka, but several other rural employer in the country, it produces Farmer Input Support Program the heart of the province. Kansoka the soil, as do over 60% of Zam- farming communities all over the the poorest workers. enables small scale farmers around farming block in Lumfwanyama is bian citizens in informal employ- country that attest to a similar the country to access free fertilisers. characterized by sparsely distrib- ment. Agriculture is the only form of lifestyle and experience the same This sector requires ‘Smart Growth’, Although this is much needed assis- uted mud huts, dense vegetation suitable employment for the com- cycle of diminutive economic a policy that would address the tance, it is still a far cry from the and tough terrain. There is no munity, because there is no oppor- growth. pitfalls in this potentially lucrative necessary requirements needed to disputing that life in this area is tunity for other occupations; there- industry and ensure that the ensure a good yield such as the hard, as it’s blatantly obvious from fore residents are compelled to The mind boggling pursuit of benefits trickle down effectively to its farming equipment and transporta- the lack of social amenities such as collaborate in order to enhance progressive agriculture which allevi- participants. tion costs amongst others. Over the electricity, a clean and depend- their benefits from this trade; one ates poverty in rural communities years the government has steadily able water supply and the appall- such endeavour is by the formation has plagued the minds of Zambian The initial vigour with which Kalilam- increased its expenditure on the ing state of infrastructure or rather, of agricultural cooperatives. policy makers for years. akungu cooperative began in agricultural industry and although the lack of it, amongst other 2005 seems to have dwindled over this is appreciated, it is my strong required services. This is an all too Kalilamakungu cooperative, com- It is no secret that the country’s time and with this, the drive to conviction that ‘the bird needs to familiar scenario for several rural prising of approximately fifty mem- biggest economic weapon is its provide a better standard of living leave the nest’. Contrary to their communities in Zambia; and while I bers, situated in Kansoka, is an vast land and abundant natural for its members. Sadly the zest of plight, it is my view that Zambian surveyed my surroundings and economic synergy of locals com- resources; Zambia has approxi- the membership appears to have small scale farmers need to be quivered at the thought of mitted to improving the lives of its mately 12000 sq km of water in the diminished to mere survival. As I self-sustaining. In order to do this, THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 7 8 PICTURE SOURCE: ZAMBIAN YOUTHS ACHIEVING GREAT THING the industry needs to receive capi- Additionally, and most importantly organic, healthy food which is tal investment that provides for pursuing agricultural R&D (Research highly sought after by nations beset conducive farming environments and Development) aggressively will by health related diseases; this which leads us to the subsequent provide solutions of superior farm- could serve as one of the dimen- grievance, of poor transportation ing techniques and equipment. It sions of advertising that may also and communication networks. Travelling to and from these rural will also delve into uncharted territory such as food processing. There needs to be a paradigm shift lead to expanding the export base. As the saying goes, ‘be the best at YOUTH  SPEAK  !       farming communities is an agonis- from being a raw material produc- your trade and sell it’; agriculture is ingly long experience owed to the ing nation to one that manufactures Zambia’s trade and in my view the THROUGH OUR THINK JOBS ONLINE PLATFORM, WE poorly structured gravel roads that out of its own agricultural products nation’s ‘El Dorado’. HAVE BEEN SEEKING YOUR FEEDBACK AND HERE IS become almost impassable in the on a mass scale. The last fifty years rainy season. It’s through transpor- have been characterised by maize WHAT SOME OF YOU HAD TO SAY ABOUT EMPLOYMENT tation costs, because of the poor production; the next fifty should be IN ZAMBIA. road networks, that the farmers are characterised by cornflakes exploited since they have no other production and possibly exporta- means of hauling their produce to tion. the market places. This also makes these areas unappealing for Recent reports have shown that potential investors who could Western Province, one of the least partner with the cooperatives and developed regions in Zambia has provide that aspect (finances) that enormous potential to grow and they so desperately need. export cashew nuts, as well as export cattle. Shangombo Cashew Paul  Nyambe ‘Smart Growth’ simply means Corridor has the prospect of ‘strategic polices implemented to “Starting   up   your   own   business   in   producing 250 000 tons per year ensure that economic growth trans- with a turnover of approximately Ngosa  Chungu Zambia  is  generally  a  viable  path   to  take.  However,  there  are  consid-­ lates into the lives of citizens’ and it’s US$106 million and creating “I   think   that   mobile   money   credit   MERCY F ZULU erable   challenges   hindering   the key to increasing employment roughly 30,000 farm jobs. Addition- building   to   then   facilitate   micro-­ sustainability   in   this   in the agricultural industry. This can ally, cashew nuts are distinguished Mercy F Zulu is 1st prize winner of lending   is   the   way   to   go.   This   endeavor...There   is   more   that   be achieved by embarking on from other nuts because they are the ‘Think Jobs’ writing competition. model  is  already  working  in  Africa,   needs   to   be   done   in   area   of   long-term investment such as, reputed to be highly nutritious, Mercy an Economics student from most   notably   in   Kenya,   the   para-­ creating  and  reinforcing  entrepre-­ providing regular training work- heart-healthy and have precious the University of Zambia, believes digm   for   mobile   money   empower-­ neurial   support   structures.   This   is   shops to the rural farmers that will wood. This is something worth that policy making is key to ment,  especially  in  the  rural  areas.   reaffirmed  in  the  recently  released   equip them with additional knowl- investigating and perhaps, not the tackling the problems faced by We   already   have   facilities   like   Global   Entrepreneurship   Monitor   edge and enhance their skills of only untapped agricultural gold- both Zambia and the world at Zoona  here,  let's  build  on  that  and   Report   for   2012   which   highlights   efficient and resourceful crop mine in the country. The province large. Mercy is looking to pursue a offer   a   choice   of   (mobile)   micro   Zambia  to  have  the  highest  Total   production. Furthermore, these also has one of the highest cattle career in international develop- financial   services   that   can   offer   Entrepreneurial   Activities   (TEA)   workshops could also serve to count in the nation, however due to ment with a specific focus on different   solutions   to   the   various   ratings   especially   among   the   familiarize them with modern farm- policy analysis types   of   financing   issues   people   youth   in   the   Sub   Saharan   Africa   the cattle ban it has basically been ing techniques, as well as improve a passive industry the last 20 years have  raised.” region,  but  at  the  same  recording   marketing skills for their products. or so. very   low   business   sustainability   Moreover, the training could ratings....my  simple  solution  to  this  in   educate them on financial man- ‘Smart growth’ must be accompa- Mutoba  Ngoma general   terms   is   embracing   the   agement to guarantee nied by ‘Smart marketing’. Influenc- notion   of   the   entrepreneurial   “...the  free  trade  economy  and  the   re-investment and business disci- imperative:   The   need   to   support   ing the global economy by selling lack   of   proper   regulatory   policy   and   encourage   entrepreneurial   pline. Smart growth requires smart our produce in an attractive and makes   it   difficult   to   get   value   for   activities   at   all   levels   of   our   soci-­ minds. diverse way; the country produces your  products  or  services.” ety.” THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 9 10 PICTURE SOURCE: ZAMBIAN YOUTHS ACHIEVING GREAT THING Value addition is YOUTH  SPEAK  !       the route to profit THROUGH OUR THINK JOBS ONLINE PLATFORM, WE HAVE BEEN SEEKING YOUR FEEDBACK AND HERE IS making in farming WHAT SOME OF YOU HAD TO SAY ABOUT EMPLOYMENT IN ZAMBIA. By Abel Chongo Agriculture plays an The 2009 Agricultural Sector Devel- opment Strategy (ASDS) document important role in produced by the Republic of Kenya Louise  Mulemba   human development. says: “the agricultural sector com- Agness  Banda THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE According to the 2013 prises of six major sub-sectors, THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE namely: food crops; industrial I    think    the    reason    why    Zambia     has       very     high     unemployment     “Zambia's   job   challenge   is   too   AGRICULTURAL SECTOR Zambia Economic Brief crops; livestock; fisheries; horticul- big…   Unemployment   rates   are   ture; and forestry.” rates    is...      as      citizen      we      have       high.  When  jobs  are  created,  they   CAN CREATE JOBS ON A published by the World BROAD SCALE AND LIFT been       brought       up     with     the     mindset     of     only     wanting       to       are  usually  casual  ones” RURAL COMMUNITIES Bank, the agricultural sector The 2006 Zambia Vision 2030 accounts for 81 percent of the document produced by the Repub- work      for      others.      The      current       OUT OF POVERTY working poor and 43 percent of lic of Zambia says: “Zambia is school     curriculum     does     not     the non-poor. Therefore, the sector endowed with 42 million ha of encourage      a      person      to      real-­ ise      their      potential      and      aspire       is not only a major employer, but arable land. And about 36 percent to       do       something       of       their       also a means of livelihood for the of the fresh water resources in the own...I       think       everything     starts     majority of the Zambian people. SADC region are in Zambia, which with    a    person’s    mindset,      hence     if effectively utilized, could make it    would    be    very    important      to       According to the 2013 Technical agriculture a mainstay of the realize      a      person’s      capability       Report for the Post-2015 Develop- economy.” [whilst     they]     are     still     young.     ment Agenda published by the Zambia      is      vested      with      people       Sustainable Development Solutions The current position in Zambia is who      have      very    good    capabili-­ Network, “Agriculture refers broadly that little or no value is added to ties    that    if    put      to      use      can       to the cultivation of animals, plants agricultural products. This means help      improve      the      economy.   and other life forms for the produc- our agricultural sector is the tion of food, fibre, biofuels, raw producer of primarily raw materials. materials, drugs and other purposes, including aquaculture In order for the agricultural sector to and agroforestry.” create jobs on a broad scale and THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 11 12 6 lift rural communities out of poverty, spinning, weaving and dying of cut flowers in recent years and in rate financing that will allow them it is important to make a fundamen- cotton garments and for tobacco the process it has created 50,000 to set up factories to process Picture Source: Felix Clay/Duckrabbit tal shift in the way we see the we need cigarette factories. These new jobs. agricultural products. sector. Agriculture should not be factories will employ a lot of treated as a development people, therefore, creating jobs on Forestry has done quite well for the program, but as a business, which if a broad scale. There is need to past few years in supplying timber run properly will have massive inject more money in Mulungushi to our neighboring countries. developmental impact. Agriculture Textile for example for it to rebound Recently the Zambia Forestry and should be transformed into a profit- if we are serious about adding Forest Industries Corporation able competitive economic activity. value to cotton and create more (ZAFFICO) announced that it has This way the sector will create more jobs. created 4,000 jobs in Kawambwa and high quality gainful employ- tree plantation of which 250 jobs ment to Zambians. The demand for livestock products will be permanent. I believe this (milk, meat and eggs) has sector can do better than just It is important that we change the increased both in Zambia and the creating 4000 jobs once we systems in which smallholders oper- region. Increasing livestock produc- expand the plantations country ate. The best way to support small- tion and adding value will certainly wide. In each of these areas, jobs holder farmers has less to do with create more jobs and lift rural com- will be created on a broad scale at things they can do to improve their munities out of poverty. Fish is the every level, from the farm to the end farms and more to do with the primary source of protein for many user. systems in which they operate. We people in the world. Therefore, fish need to take a broader approach farming can be a profitable The agricultural sector must focus ABEL CHONGO to developments that target the cultivate more land, or through the smallholders in rural areas to bring business. Establishing fish farms on new skills, younger and more entire market system. Through the introduction of better seed varieties, their farm produce to urban country wide will create more jobs entrepreneurial farmers, who will be Abel Chongo is second prize market systems approach, more improved soil fertility and irrigation markets. This will certainly put more for farmers. able to compete at global scale. winner of the ‘Think Jobs’ writing that raise land productivity, will money in the hands of farmers and They must be well versed in competition. A Wood Science and jobs will be created and rural com- Technology student from the munities will be lifted out of poverty. create more jobs and lift rural com- lift them out of poverty. The horticulture industry has poten- business, to be able to run sound Copperbelt University, Abel munities out of poverty. tial to create more jobs. However, agribusinesses that will make believes the protection of natural Connecting farmers to markets Improving rural infrastructure and the current position in Zambia is agriculture modern, commercial resources is important for a coun- hold the greatest potential for In the case of food stuffs, we need access to resources for food that once farmers produce flowers, and profitable. try as its socio-economic and transforming the agricultural sector food processing industries to production will increase produc- they are cut and packed in boxes environmental wellbeing depends insofar as job creation is process and package agricultural tion, raise smallholder incomes and for export. Processing and packag- The role of government in these on sustainable management of concerned. Farmers require reliable products. For example, we need create more jobs. ing is done abroad. This way we areas is to provide incentives for the natural resources. Abel chose to local and international markets for industries to process groundnuts, are exporting jobs. Cutting, private sector to add value to local study wood science to better their produce. The agricultural soya beans and sunflower into We need to locate smaller, processing and packaging the farm produce and unlock market equip himself with the skills and sector should focus on increasing cooking oil, pineapples, mangoes, labour-intensive plants near farms flowers in Zambia will create jobs opportunities for farmers along the knowledge needed to contribute production and on how those oranges and guavas into local in rural areas that can operate at a on a broad scale as more people value chains. effectively in his dream job as a products will be processed, pack- juice, maize into mealie meal, lower cost, produce high quality will be employed at each level of natural resource manager. aged and marketed, throughout cassava into cassava meal, flour, products and create a reliable the value chain. The government should develop the year. Increasing productivity is chips and starch and wheat into market for farmers. These smaller, special tax incentives that will moti- an entry point for creating more flour. These industries will create labour intensive plants will create The horticulture industry in Ethiopia vate the private sector to investor in jobs and entering domestic and jobs on a broad scale, as more more jobs for the local people. offers a compelling example. rural areas. Such investments will export markets. people will be employed to According to the 2008 Interna- create jobs directly to the people in process and package the products. In case of industrial crops such as tional Labour Conference, 97th rural communities and lift them out Increasing production through the cotton and tobacco, we need Session report published by the of poverty. introduction of labour intensive Markets for food are booming in factories to process and add value International Labour Office, the innovations will allow the same urban areas due to urbanization. I to these crops. For example, for horticulture industry in Ethiopia has The private sector must be amount of agricultural labour to believe this is an opportunity for cotton we need firms involved in emerged as a major exporter of supported by securing low interest THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 13 14 The Brief in Brief: Agriculture TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA Agriculture, the untapped job creator By Ipyana Chindindindi “My name is Zinji,” the aged people cannot make use of woman I met in Mbila their farmlands effectively. This has resulted in high levels of poverty said to me. Mbila is a experienced by many households. THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE rural area located in It is ironic to learn that even if young AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ltezhi-­Tezhi – a small but people were around, poverty CAN CREATE JOBS ON A fascinating town located 115km off would still besiege many house- BROAD SCALE AND LIFT Mongu road. The town is closer to holds. This is so because most of RURAL COMMUNITIES Choma town than Namwala the the youths are not interested in OUT OF POVERTY bordering town to the south east. I doing agricultural jobs. This found myself here because I was reminded me of many of my taking part in a maize destruction colleagues in the school of Agricul- exercise under the Food Reserve tural Sciences whose preferences Agency (FRA). of jobs after school are dominantly Banks and NGOs and many Zinji and her husband are subsist- city-based work places. Most jobs ence farmers who grow crops within the sector are not the kind mainly for home consumption. most graduates prefer because Being the mother of the household, they are synonymous with a lot of Zinji works really hard in order to physical labour and are said not to see to it that there is food for her be ‘smart’. entire family. This life style is the norm in most rural areas. Old Research carried out by the Institute people are left to man villages of Development Studies in 2012 while the young go to cities in revealed that agriculture in Africa search of jobs. This however, is a has a lot of untapped potential to great drawback to development create jobs, both directly and in these areas because most of the indirectly. This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia 15 16 This idea reminded me of how employed. If this is done industries coffee is actually grown in our such as fruit processing companies country and then exported in its would not need to spend so much raw state then later imported at on importation of fruits such as higher prices. If well-known brands mangoes that are in abundance in such as nestle would be encour- the country and are wasted yearly. aged to open plants in Zambia and go on contract farming with Therefore it is evident that value Picture Source: blog.worldbank local farmers this would improve addition is the highest contributor farm productivity and ultimately to job creation in the sector as it create jobs for many local people. also tackles the issue of rural The virtue of this improvement poverty. The location of these would be an increase in agro-raw plants in the areas of high produc- IPYANA CHINDINDINDI materials leading to low input costs tion e.g. cotton plants in the eastern Ipyana Chindindindi is an Agricul- But given the perception young of raw materials but high creation province would contribute greatly Agricultural sector clearly not doing citizens. Zambia’s being land tural Science student from the people have for it, the potential of jobs. This was the basis for setting to the locals. well, it was the largest employer locked is an added advantage as University of Zambia. Ipyana’s may just remain as such unless up the pineapple plant in Mwini- employing up to 52.2% compared the crop, when in excess, can be dream job involves her playing a measures are instituted to make lunga, tea processing in The improvement of the sector in direct role in improving people’s to industries and service offering sold to neighboring countries unlike agriculture attractive to Zambians Kawambwa and sugar processing order for job creation to occur wellbeing. It is only with this 9% and 6% respectively. Like being left to rot in depots as was in general and young people in in Mazabuka. would be incomplete without incor- satisfaction that she can fulfill her anyone would she showed witnessed in Itezhi-Tezhi. particular. Young people will need porating research. It is through ambition of contributing to human surprise, this to me only meant one to view the sector more positively To ensure that the required breeding programs that ‘climate development. thing-the sector can do more. If farmers in this area would join than they do now. amounts of raw materials are smart crops’ are developed and as reliable co-operatives headed by produced, farming has to match a result jobs are created for “The problem is that farmers here zealous extension officers where When asked about how they with the processing industries’ researchers. concentrate on growing maize they would learn of diversified farm- survived Zinji said, “We have so requirements and the assessed more than any other crop because ing methods such as poultry much land and yet we don’t have market for the processed goods. My chat with Zinji made me under- it is more affordable for us and at production, mixed farming, crop the resources to develop it.” The With the availability of local raw stand things from a more realistic least we get to sell it to the Food rotation and fish farming they situation presented by Zinji seems materials, productivity of processing angle and from the perspective of Reserve Agency (FRA) even though would not find themselves in a to be common in the country as companies becomes high and one who is actually experiencing the prices don’t depict our efforts”, situation where they are totally shown by statistics from Central costs of production are likely to be the woes of unemployment and attested Zinji. “How I wish we had a dependent on maize. Statistics Office (CSO). It is estimated low translating to profits for compa- poverty. All in all, I feel improved broader market to sale our grain that Zambia has a total area of nies and more jobs for local road networks as well as good to”, implored Zinji looking at me as Funding for projects such as water 752,612sq km of which only 7.08% people. Moreover, the buying of marketing policies should be a though I had the solution. Even harvesting, creation of dams in was arable land used for produc- raw materials means more income great start to solving the two prob- though I did not know what her dambo areas as was done in tion to feed a population of to the farmers who consequently lems in the nation that may seem reaction would be to my explana- Mongu by JICA as well as irrigation 14,375,601 people. It is no wonder get motivated to produce more separate but are in every way tion on the alternative uses of of vegetables could be done within as to why poverty levels keep sky and in the process other farmers intertwined. maize, I went ahead. Surprisingly, these co-operatives. Funding of rocketing. Many farmers are very join and more people get she was amused to learn that these co-operatives would be way much aware of how underutilised maize could not just to be used for cheaper than if individual farmers land and water resources are. Nsima, brewing and feed for were approached. This would, to a livestock but that it could be used great extent, alleviate rural poverty I was impressed with Zinji’s level of to make food stuffs such as snacks which according to CSO has knowledge about the many activi- as well as breakfast cereals like continued to be more of a rural ties in Zambia despite her having cornflakes that are mostly imported. than urban phenomenon with rural only attended elementary school. I Every stage of processing these areas recording 77.9% and urban explained to her that despite the food stuffs would create jobs for the areas 27.5%. THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 17 18 Agriculture, more than just a part-­ companies by signing memoran- dums of understanding. For exam- time job ple, the government can agree with Zimbabwe that Zambia shall be supplying them with maize, or all supermarkets should be buying Picture Source: Simone D. McCourtie - World Bank their agriculture products from local farmers. As a result, this will lead to By Gracious M’hango more production, and more production means more employ- ment opportunities created. things get done. Beautiful life that is, Agriculture is for the but as a people we must come The other way the government can create more jobs using agriculture uneducated, for back to reality. Think of it like this, how many of those white collar is by promoting commercial farm- ing, this is because at farm level those who have jobs are available on the market they are a lot of operations done. right now? And what role are they We are looking at ploughing, failed to make it in playing in helping create more jobs planting, weeding, and all these on raw materials from agriculture. We should look at engaging in the corporate world and lift rural communities out of poverty? operations need labourers. There is however a problem as most of the Hence when agriculture improved, there will be an upsurge is agro-processing, this will not only help the country save money used THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE or the retired. That was labourers are paid minimum in raw materials and consequently on imports but also create a lot of my way of thinking as a child; okay I changed my perception about wages and that does very little in the manufacturing industries will be jobs. Agro-processing industries THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE to be honest, that was my way of agriculture for a very simple reason. reducing poverty. This problem can boosted. I believe as a country we avail employment opportunities AGRICULTURAL SECTOR thinking until I started to figure out Firstly I realised that agriculture is be tackled by enforcing minimum have no excuse to be importing regardless of whether one is CAN CREATE JOBS ON A how the agriculture sector could important for economic and social wage laws; the government should certain commodities such as food suitably qualified in the agriculture BROAD SCALE AND LIFT development in Zambia, this is when we have the capacity to create jobs and lift rural communi- for instance increase the minimum profession or not. We can take RURAL COMMUNITIES because the majority of the popu- produce our own. Think about it, ties out of poverty. Most of us have wages for agriculture workers, Zambeef as an example; it currently OUT OF POVERTY a wrong perspective about agricul- lation resides in rural areas and monitor the implementation and Zambia has a total area of 42 employs over 5,500 staff from ture and we don’t realize how more than 80% of the total make sure that farms adhere. and million hectares which can be used various professions. crucial it is to economic growth. employment for both formal and make sure that farms adhere. With for agriculture production and informal jobs is in agriculture. So more than 64% of the population rainfall ranging between 800mm Thirdly I noticed that agriculture I read in one of the World Bank clearly this is the sector to target in living on less than a dollar per day to 1400mm annually. These are helps families save a higher portion reports that “young people don’t order to lift rural communities out of and agriculture being the major perfect conditions for production of of their earnings; it reduces money want to be the farmers their grand- poverty. The plan is simple, the employer in the Zambia, this will lift a broad range of crops, fish and spent on food. The thing is native parents were; hoe in hand, tilling government should transform the rural communities out of poverty. livestock. So why not produce our agriculture produce like cassava, the soil in the scorching sun, break- agriculture sector and empower own? sweet potatoes and rice are ing their backs, harvesting barely peasants to farm as a business and Secondly I realised that agriculture enjoyed in Zambia without the enough to feed their families.” bring commercial value to their has ripple effects, this means an Frankly I don’t understand why as a need for extra additions like relish None of us want that life, we all endeavours. This can be done by improvement in agriculture brings country we choose to export raw or sauce. Therefore this helps want white collar jobs, sitting in a providing markets for the farmers, about benefits in other sectors. Let materials and then buy them back families channel their funds to other fancy office, enjoying hot coffee one way is by facilitating market us take the manufacturing industry as finished goods when we can needs.While others would deem while we make orders and watch relationships with other countries as an example; it heavily depends process them locally. this as a sacrifice of fine dining, THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 19 20 This is an emerging field focusing for food security. It is evident that on the enhancement of agriculture Zambia has the potential to create and rural development through more jobs and lift rural communities information and communication out of poverty using the agriculture technology. To add to that, it sector. Like Arthur Keith said, the involves the application of innova- tive ways to use in rural domain employment of agriculture is the first big step towards a civilized life. Bio-­fuels, the Zambian agricultural sector’s with focus on improving agriculture. Not only will employing ICT improve the agriculture sector, but it will also create employment for many youths. cash cow Lastly I discovered that Zambia has the potential to be a dominant force on the international scene when it comes to agriculture produce. All that is needed is diver- By Mukuka Mulenga sification; dependence on rain fed crops does not do us any good. Diversification will not only create more jobs, but also reduce the risk in the case of crop failure and poor for most they are great meals and market conditions. In this regard, Desperation is driving survey had stated all along – that GRACIOUS M’HANGO unemployment is the most perva- not only that, they can sustain for Zambia should do more when it THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE Zambia’s jobless youths sive socio-economic problem breakfast, lunch and supper. It is comes to agriculture activities, for THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE evident that agriculture is the example we should engage in Gracious M’hango is an Interna- tional Relations and Business AGRICULTURAL SECTOR to the brink of despair, facing Zambia today. Question is: how severe a socio-economic primary livelihood source for most Bio-fuel manufacturing. Let me use student from Mulungushi University. CAN CREATE JOBS ON A forcing them to clutch burden is it? Zambians, thus the government Nakambala sugar estates as an With Kofi Annan as his role model, BROAD SCALE AND LIFT must increase their investment in example; it is the single biggest Gracious has been inspired to RURAL COMMUNITIES to the straws. In 2012, thou- cane sugar milling operation in sands of them turned up at Great If Central Statistics figures are agriculture. Improving the growth pursue a career in international OUT OF POVERTY Africa. Due to its large sugar cane relations in both regional and Lakes Products, a local fisheries anything to go by, unemployment is conditions for agriculture is critical production the estates can venture international organizations. enterprise in the fishing town of a more serious problem amongst for improving the livelihood condi- in the production of ethanol, which Mpulungu that wanted only a youth age groups. The peak is in tions of most Zambians. will lead to creation of jobs and handful of casual workers. Media the age-groups 15- 24. Given that growth in the economy. reports placed their number at young people (under 25 years) in So if agriculture is so wonderful, 5,000, which was absurd, consider- Zambia comprise about 63 why have successive governments However, to fully enjoy the fruits of ing that the town has a population percent (roughly 6 million) of the failed to prosper the nation agriculture, local farmers must be of about 8,500 people. total population, youth unemploy- through it? The answer lies in our protected. Most of these farmers ment must be an exceptional mindset as a nation; we have a are poor, and worse off they have In the stampede to enter the apprehension for Zambian policy wrong perspective about agricul- no access to financial assistance. company’s premises and get even architects. In fact, every year, over ture. And to make things worse, The government should give them a whiff of a chance at a job, 11 240,000 school leavers are enter- Governments have concentrated land rights and title deeds as this people died, including pregnant ing the labor market without hope more on copper mining at the will help them when in need of women and children. Six others of finding a job. This hopelessness is expense of other sectors. Anyway, capital. Furthermore, women were seriously injured. exacerbated by a decision by let us not look backwards, the only participation in agriculture must be government – the largest employer way is forward and the way encouraged as they are essential The tragedy grabbed national and in the country – to sanction a jobs forward is E-agriculture. international headlines, confirming freeze. a fact the 2013 Afrobarometer THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 21 22 the Southern province town of not just be large expanses of land due to unemployment. It is equally Mazabuka. with crops but would also be home demoralising for young people to to manufacturing plants and find there is no work waiting for Government possesses the capac- energy corporations. for them when they leave school, ity to facilitate the transfer of tech- college or university. Employment is nology by partnering with private Conducting business in a GEEZ the dividing line in several families and international agricultural implies that a company will receive between a decent existence and a research firms that have a keen tax incentives and the opportunity vile life. Agriculture and agribusiness interest in the production of biofuel. to pay lower tariffs. Government vis-à-vis biofuel presents itself as a can take this a step further by viable solution to a problem that In 2002, the Government of the signing Memorandums of Under- has eluded Zambia for genera- Republic of Zambia proposed to standing with companies that tions. have at least one productive farm intend on setting up in GEEZs, to block per province. A farm block is allocate at least fifty per cent of envisioned to be a large agricul- jobs in the company to Zambian tural area where basic infrastruc- professionals. Therefore, UNZA ture for agriculture such as roads, students from the School of Agricul- electricity, etc., are provided. The ture, School of Engineering farm block enterprise involves areas (Agricultural engineering), students of not less than 100 000 hectares from The Copperbelt University, per block. The general idea of the NRDC, etc., will have an immediate Zambian Tomato Farmer farm block comprises a core source of employment upon com- venture, small-scale, medium, and pleting their studies. Employment analysts reason that to the Mpulungu stampede are to Zambia would be following the large farms operating under an out the Zambian economy must create be avoided. example of Brazil which is the grower arrangement similar to Green Energy Africa is a Ndola over 400,000 new jobs per year to second largest producer of ethanol Nakambala Sugar Estates. based bioenergy company that ensure that the unemployment rate The million dollar question then is, – an important biofuel – in the seeks to provide reliable energy in does not rise. To absorb new how would the agricultural sector world and the only country with a As a way of incentivising local and an environmentally responsible entrants into the labor market, the facilitate job creation? There is a fully-fledged “green economy.” international green energy compa- way. This company is the master- economy should create over jobs cow that is waiting to be Brazil has an ethanol fuel program nies, government can, through an mind behind Zamlasha - an 600,000 jobs per annum. Such a MUKUKA MULENGA milked in the biofuel sphere. The based on the most efficient agricul- Act of Parliament, oversee the environmentally friendly variation of mammoth task requires simple, yet use of agriculture to produce tural technology for sugarcane establishment of “Green Ener- "malasha" which is made from Mukuka Mulenga is a University of bold solutions. biofuel is an innovative, 21st cultivation. gyEconomic Zones” (GEEZ) across biomass such as bamboo, farm Zambia student currently studying Century path that government can the country. These would be similar waste, maize husks and grass. Public Administration. Mukuka has Zambia is home to about 40 per take in its quest to exponentially Crops such as sugarcane, sweet to Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Zamlasha is purported to burn two always had a keen interest in the cent or more of Southern Africa's reduce unemployment. If agriculture sorghum, maize, soya beans and save for the fact that the incentives to three times longer than normal finance sector hence his desire to fresh water; with quality arable land is to be a significant driver of the plants such as jathropa are the of the zone will apply exclusively to become a financial advisor specialis- charcoal, according to the ing in real estate. in excess of several European economy, lifting millions out of bedrock of biofuel. Ethanol for green energy corporations. company website. The Post news- countries put together. In fact, she joblessness and destitution, then example can be produced using paper ran an article in December has a land mass of 752,000 sq. km; radical ideas which stray from the cheap sugarcane. A sugarcane The farm block concept can be 2013 stating that the company of this, more than half (420,000 sq. traditional, small-scale, hoe to plantation is labour intensive hence used as a guide. As opposed to had invested over US$500,000 to km.) has medium to high quality ground, and subsistence notion of creating jobs for poor indigenous farm blocks where the crops grown set up a bio-mass plant to manu- arable potential. Statistics such as farming must be given primacy. people. World Bank data points are predominantly for export as facture charcoal. Green Energy these scream that Zambia’s agricul- out that more than 80 per cent of well as food security, the crops in Africa exemplifies how agribusiness ture sector possesses noteworthy Exploring the use of biofuels as a sugarcane production takes place GEEZs will primarily be for biofuel alongside bioenergy is a goldfield potential to create thousands cleaner alternative to fossil fuels not in Southern province. An assump- production. Since adding value to teeming with nuggets of opportu- if not millions of jobs if correctly only creates jobs capacity in the tion may therefore be made that, the produce is significant for biofuel nity. exploited. Any responsible govern- agro-sector, but it results in a spillo- alongside the reputable Nakam- production, a link between agricul- ment would do well to capitalise ver of jobs in sectors such as energy bala Sugar Estates, an ethanol ture and related industries will be It is an awful frustration for a parent on this- especially if incidents similar and manufacturing. In this regard, production plant could be set up in created implying that GEEZs would to fail to provide for his/her family THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 23 24 DID YOU KNOW Learn the latest facts with the World Bank’s bite size series A competitive agricultural sector is one cure Did  you  know?   Did  you  know? One out of five urban workers That Zambian leather enjoys duty-­free is unemployed in Zambia access to the EU and U.S. markets and preferential access to markets of members of COMESA? > Youth aged15-24 make up > Zambia has enormous By Winston Muleba more than half of the urban potential to develop its unemployed in Zambia leather industry > Workers with a university > Yet most leather casual degree form only 4 percent and fashion shoes that creation. A population national of the unemployed in Zambia you see in Zambia are Since the 1990s, high analytical report of 2013 indicated mainly imported THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE unemployment has the agriculture sector contributed THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE 66.5 % to the working population been a major economic Source: World Bank Source: World Bank AGRICULTURAL SECTOR (12 years and older) as compared CAN CREATE JOBS ON A and social concern in to the mining sector whose contri- bution to direct employment, Did  you  know? Did  you  know? BROAD SCALE AND LIFT labor market agendas, accounted for less than 2% of the RURAL COMMUNITIES 66 percent of Zambia’s population Zambia is Africa’s largest seed OUT OF POVERTY as such success in total labour force and about 8% of total formal sector jobs accord- is 24 years or younger? exporter to the continent? pursuing employment ing to the International Council on > The large size of the children for the Zambian people Mining and Metals (ICMM) assess- ment report of 2013. and youth population puts a > Zambia has a long major burden on Zambia for history of original genetic requires long term provision of education services research and certified concerted actions,spanning a wide Mr. Fackson Shamenda, Minister of seed production range of policies and programs. To Labour in a presentation made at > In countries of Europe and this effect, an overarching guideline the GRZ-ILO-IMF national confer- North America children and > Less than 1% of seeds used for addressing the employment ence on economic growth strategy youth form less than 30 percent in Zambia are imported of the population challenge is the need for an for employment, decent work and integrated strategy for rural devel- development in 2012, in Lusaka Source: World Bank Source: World Bank opment, growth and job creation said despite some initiatives under which covers the demand and the successive Governments, there supply sides of the labor market has been a lack of a well- and takes into account poverty coordinated approach when alleviation in rural areas. Zambia’s addressing the unemployment agriculture sector has a well- problem. The former could be The ‘Did You Know’ series is published every Wednesday in the Post newspaper and republished established record as an instrument attributed to attention given to at www.facebook.com/thinkjobszambia for poverty reduction and job politically and economically THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 26 25 garden and small animal rearing To end on a more serious note, including goats, chickens, pigs and agriculture in Zambia does not only fish is required. play an overwhelmingly important role in the economy but it is an In accordance with 2014 national important livelihood activity for budget K3.08 billion or 7.2% of the many small holder farmers thus, the budget, was allocated to the best strategies that can be used to agriculture sector as compared to satisfy poverty alleviation measures other sectors like transport which include; raising exports, improving had an allocation of K6.07 billion skills development, lowering the or 14.2%. The budget allocated to costs of living for the poor, investing agriculture sector was insufficient to in a competitive infrastructure, address the challenges faced by reducing the regulatory burden on WINSTON MULEBA the sector. This suggests there is no small businesses, facilitating private consensus on the issue of whether investment and improving the Winston Muleba is a Fisheries and agriculture is the most appropriate performance of the labour market Aquaculture student from the sector to lift rural communities out of to reduce tension and ease access Copperbelt University. Driven by his poverty through the job creation on to young, unskilled work seekers. need to contribute to the country’s a broad scale or to aggressively economic growth, his dream job is diversify the economy to other to be the Chief Executive Officer of sectors like agriculture as outlined his own agribusiness, media and in the Six National Development charitable organizations. . Plan (SNDP) for 2011-2015. influential industries such as mining, The sector can further create jobs Having extended the subject to the Despite several approaches under manufacturing and other industrial when incentives such as greater public domain, a Copperbelt prov- successive governments, the production. access to both domestic and exter- ince based youth, Masuzyo agricultural sector remains strong nal markets create an enabling Nyirongo contributed that agricul- and has positive impact on poverty Nevertheless, supplementing on the environment for private investment ture can create more jobs if often significantly greater than that existing job creation policies, that in marketing, farm input supply and government intensifies the Fertilizer of other economic sectors accord- do not fulfill their implemented agro processing but of course, Input Support Programme (FISP) to ing to Food and Agriculture purposes, the agriculture sector can farming itself must be strengthened. stimulate better yields so the coun- Organization (FAO) report of 2004. Picture Source: jyotsna210-2 create both quantity and quality In addition, enhancing farmers’ try's farmers can export the jobs on a broad scale. It can trans- access to inputs and financial produce and realize foreign Therefore, the agriculture sector form Zambia’s agriculture into a services is also an option that can exchange. A student at Monze can help lift communities out of profitable, commercially-oriented create jobs for Zambians. The School of Agriculture, Majory poverty through many ways among and internationally and regionally development of policies and legis- Chitambo also contributed that the which include raising the incomes competitive economic activity that lation are ways which can address government sector can also create of smallholder farmers by promot- provides high-quality, gainful the restructuring of ministries and jobs by starting to train extension ing the growth of smallholder employment to Zambians by departments by creating directo- workers to empower farmers and agriculture. The sector can further generation. It can promote the rates and units to facilitate coordi- other stakeholders to take greater help lift communities out of poverty dissemination of knowledge to rural nation of policy development. control of their potential. They by increasing the earnings of work- dwellers, that entrepreneurship is Reviving of small and big agricul- should be enabled to see sustain ing people, raising the level of job the best practice for promoting tural companies like Mununshi able uses of crop production using creation and strengthening public descent employment which leads banana scheme, Kawambwa tea their own efforts, resources of man- investment programs in large-scale to increased food production and and Chipata cotton ginnery are yet power and materials, with sufficient agricultural programs. They should economic participation so as to other ways in which agriculture assistance from the government. focus on what work can generate improve livelihoods of the rural sector can create jobs on a broad Mrs. Monica Chola, a small scale very high agricultural growth rates, people through income and scale. farmer from Mpongwe also added in turn contributing to poverty empowerment. that a joint promotion of home reduction. THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 27 28 Agriculture is a areas which would leads to high Picture Source: Arne Hoel-World Bank demand for labour. critical pillar of Education plays an important role in the creation of employment on a rural growth broad scale in any economy. It does not only change one’s perception of things in life but also improves the productivity of an individual. Investments in education and vocational training of young By Kelvin Chileshe people can help in transforming the untapped talents in youth who are potential employers in the from agriculture, mostly through future. They would acquire essential Zambia’s recent Pov-­ farming. In view of the fact that practical skills and business exper- tise to fully engage with the labour erty Reduction Strategy subsistence farmers are the majority market. Educated youth would in the agricultural sector and Paper (PRSP) views the among the rural poor throughout provide a quality labour supply that would lead to the creation of qual- agricultural sector as a the country, the impact of public ity jobs in rural areas. Additionally, actions on subsistence farmers critical pillar for rural determines the effectiveness in this would increase their chances of THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE finding decent work, thus, reducing THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE growth and poverty reducing rural poverty. Implementa- tion of proper policies in the the poverty level. With an educated AGRICULTURAL SECTOR reduction. “Agriculture is agricultural sector plays an impor- population, it would be easier for rural communities to adopt new CAN CREATE JOBS ON A given the highest priority in the PRSP tant role in alleviation of poverty as BROAD SCALE AND LIFT in the cases of China (1980s), technologies, which would help in for diversifying production and forming strong groups would give The underutilised resources (both RURAL COMMUNITIES Vietnam and some Sub-Saharan improving extension services and exports, creating employment, them a collective voice in voicing human and natural) can be countries (Zambia economic brief, pave way for high-value, labour- OUT OF POVERTY increasing incomes, and improving out their grievances and more realised effectively if tele-centres 2013). intensive activities thus boosting food security (World Bank, 2002).” importantly encourages them to can be formed in the rural areas to economic activities. What can be done to stimulate become more productive and provide access to internet, market broad-based agricultural growth Milimo and Shilito (2003) identify market-oriented. Thus, there is need information and other services. the main constraint to poverty Subsistence farmers do well when that would create employment on to sensitise. people on the Remote areas like Shang’ombo, reduction in rural communities they are in organised groups a large scale and lift 78 percent importance of having cooperatives. Mbolama e.t.c should be targeted being lack of non-farm employ- usually known as cooperatives. (IMF, 2012) of people out of This will require engaging experts first in order tomake sure they are ment opportunities. Taking invest- These cooperatives if well organ- poverty? to carry out the sensitisation also connected to the world. These ment to rural communities would ised may lead to economies of programs. The government should centres can play a significant role in scale. The understanding is that Generally, rural residents are farm- play a significant role in creating also attract Non-Governmental boosting rural employment and agricultural inputs are usually ers who derive most of their income job opportunities other than Organisations (NGOs) to rural helping farmers and others gain cheaper for farmers in cooperatives international markets which in turn depending on farming only. This areas to help facilitate the organi- better access to markets (nationally than for those who make their would boost the agriculture sector. can be done through massive infra- sation and implementation of and internationally). Furthermore, purchases individually. This can be done effectively if structure development such as activities in the cooperatives. women are the majority suppliers of several sectors are involved which good road networks throughout the labour force in the agriculture includes financial services, health, the country connecting rural areas This is because in cooperatives The spread of information and sector. If significant reduction in the education and the management of to the manufacturing industry. there is combined effort. Since the communication technologies (ICTs) poverty level is to be witnessed, natural resource. Doing so, would Good road networks would link Zambian agricultural sector is can also help to stimulate rural there is need to provide more lead to massive expansion of rural farmers with national and dominated by subsistence farmers, employment. equal opportunities for women as THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 29 30 those available to men. It must be Livestock and fish farming is shall be a debacle. ensured that women are provided another area that can be a major with equal access to the technolo- source of employment in the gies and services currently avail- agricultural sector in the country. If able to men and the same levels of control over productive resources. people in agriculture acquired skills that would help them utilise the Diversification is the route to rural Reducing the gender gap would available land for keeping cattle, help women to increase their goats, and pigs, this will help output, become more involved in reduce and even avoid reliance on agricultural value chains and gain access to new job opportunities, equally on and off the farm. importation of meat products. People in rural areas must be encouraged by government enrichment officials to do fish farming by Crop diversification should also be construction of small dams or encouraged among the rural farm- rather fish ponds in the unutilised By Pamela Lubasi ers in order to broaden the variety rural streams. This is possible if there KELVIN CHILESHE of commodities for market and is improved land tenure and the moment people realise that the Kelvin Chileshe is a student of ultimately increase their sources of Economics and Maths at the income. Farmers should be able to solution to poverty does not neces- University of Zambia. Kelvin diversify through growing different sary lie in wage employment alone. According to the World Develop- kinds of cash crops such as dreams of one day becoming the The year 2011 went ment Reports pro-poor agricultural Bank of Zambia Governor, believ- sunflower, cotton, soya beans; as In a nut shell, there is necessity to ing that a stable currency and an down in the annals of growth is centred on the small- well embracing livestock farming as turn the idle land into a more enabling environment for business holder sector. This growth reduces this generally helps in the reduction productive economy. The govern- and investment play an important Zambia’s economy as a poverty directly, by raising farm THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE of income shocks in households. ment should introduce policies which stimulate growth in the rural role in the development of any THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE year when the country incomes and generating employ- ment. Furthermore, people need to nation. acquire essential skills that would farm and non-farm sectors. These AGRICULTURAL SECTOR was declared a lower CAN CREATE JOBS ON A help them diversify in their source of income in order to effectively use should be focused on increasing investment in education and voca- BROAD SCALE AND LIFT middle income country According to the 2012 Labour Force Survey, the under unemploy- the underutilised natural resources. tional training in rural areas, more RURAL COMMUNITIES by the World Bank. According to ment rate was 10.2 percent of the especially among the youth. OUT OF POVERTY Africa Economic Outlook, the employed population. Underem- For instance, Zambia is endowed Policies should ensure that women, economy has experienced strong ployment was more prevalent in with vast fertile land and rivers who represent a major workforce in growth in recent years, with a real the rural areas at 13.0 percent. In which can be utilized effectively if rural areas, receive the same GDP growth of 7.3 percent in 2012 rural areas underemployment was the government came up with benefits and support as men. from 6.8% in 2011. more pronounced among men at programmes that would promote Small-scale farmers should be 14.3 percent compared to females farming in general. About 523 encouraged to work in coopera- However, despite Zambia experi- at 11.9 percent. In urban areas thousands hectares can be tives as this is more likely to improve encing strong economic growth in male and female under unemploy- economically developed along the their productivity and access to the recent past, the agriculture ment rate was recorded at 6.3 and Zambezi River which will create markets as compared to individual productivity continues on its down- 5.1 percent, respectively. employment (FAO, 2005). Zambia is efforts. Additionally, large-scale ward spiral. Perhaps that is why blessed with rivers like Luangwa, investments are needed in research rural poverty keeps accelerating. Overall, the highest proportion of Kafue to mention which are not fully and extension and capacity finan- Recent statistics demonstrate that workers (52.2 percent) was in utilized. If only the potential of these cial support, and adequate infor- growth originating in agriculture in agriculture, forestry and fisheries rivers are fully utilized so that farm- mation among farmers should be particular the smallholder sector is industry while the lowest proportion ing on a large scale throughout the prioritised or else the fight against at least twice as effective in benefit- was real estates. Poverty has contin- year can be source of employment. poverty among the rural farmers ing the poorest as growth from ued to be more of a rural than non-agriculture sectors. urban phenomenon. The level of THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 31 32 The level of poverty is three times approved a US $115million credit large extent in the labour market economy but this cannot be on a higher than that in urban areas. In for an irrigation development and through employment. Most of these broad scale for as long as the 2010, rural poverty was estimated support programme to enable investors operate on a large scale challenges faced by the sector are at 77.9 percent compared to Zambia to enhance its irrigation and for them to maximize produc- not dealt with accordingly. urban levels at 27.5 percent. Many subsector. tion and minimize cost of produc- Zambians have continued to live in tion they employ the usage tech- poverty. Results from the 2006 and Of all of Zambia’s economic nology such as tractors, tillers and 2010 Living Conditions Monitoring sectors, agriculture is thought to harvesters. Survey, show that poverty levels hold the most promise for growth have remained high despite and development, as well as the Most Zambian farmers are less recording a decline between 2006 potential to reap significant foreign productive due to lack of finances and 2010. exchange earnings. This is accord- and markets. Lima bank for exam- ing to the 14th edition of the ple has come to the aid of most Picture Source: John Hogg / World Bank Development of the agricultural Zambia Review Magazine. Many small scale farmers today. The Bank sector is the key to economic devel- sub-sectors of agriculture of high gives credit to these farmers who opment and poverty reduction in value activities such as horticulture do not even have collateral. This Zambia. Simply put, agriculture and dairy farming are labour inten- will help them increase production development through diversifica- sive and generate substantial and, in the long run, will help tion, infrastructure, access to employment. improve their living standards. finances and investment opportuni- PAMELA LUBASI ties (agri-business) can create jobs However, development is a cumu- on a abroad scale and reduce Biotechnology has led to the devel- lative process, with success in one poverty. It is one’s posit that for all opment of seeds that are disease area opening up new opportuni- Pamela Lubasi is a University of this to be achieved the smallholder newspaper reports that with high agriculture is not about growing and drought resistant which are ties in others. Agriculture develop- Zambia student pursuing a sector should be competitive and prices, maize can be replaced with crops only. normally used in this case. Allowing ment is intertwined with a lot of degree in Development Studies sustainable. cassava production since cassava agri-business innovators to build other things such as trade, fuel, and Economics. She hopes to one is more drought resistant than Fortunately, Zambia boasts of day become an Economic Policy and grow new businesses would, education and others. In other maize but at present cassava is about 40% of Southern Africa’s expert helping in the fight against Maize is produced by the majority therefore, create new jobs, and words, agriculture alone cannot poverty. of smallholder farmers and remains under commercialised. All this will water resources at its disposal. Even entirely new opportunities, bolster relieve rural poverty; rural nonfarm to be Zambia’s dominant food not only create jobs on a broad with this, however, agriculture in economic growth and ultimately employment is, therefore, also crop. Not until recently, maize farm- scale but also increase smallholder Zambia still faces challenges of improve the quality of life for important. This interaction with ing has enjoyed subsidies. How- incomes and minimize income enhancing production in a situation people across the country. Innova- other sectors is a niche for broad ever, the removal of subsidies was fluctuations. of dependence on rain-fed agricul- tion is important in every sector that scale job creation. For example, in taken as a bitter pill by various ture. Therefore development of the is pertinent for growth. Innovation is an instance of increased cotton sections of the Zambian society; Not long ago, many Zambian irrigation techniques will make important both as a driver of production from our local farmers, student groups, the civil society and farmers experienced the afflictions agriculture specifically farming to growth and renewal. For agriculture more jobs will be created in the opposition political parties who caused by the army worms. These be an all-year round activity to fully contribute to inclusive devel- textile industry. In this way agricul- held a black Friday campaign. worms ate up the maize but they thereby minimizing seasonal unem- opment we need to embrace the ture provides jobs indirectly. did not eat up the soybeans. So ployment. variances, nuances, tools, tech- On the other hand, this was not a what farmers could have lost from niques, models, frameworks, and Let’s face it; the low levels of tech- bad move by the government as it maize, they could have gained It is in this vain that we have seen paradigms of innovation. Through- nological advancement continue seemed. In the long term, it will from soybeans. Farmers should not the allocation of k1.1billion from the out Zambia, there is so much uncul- to impede productivity in many encourage smallholder farmers to only diversify in the kind of crops 2013 national budget to irrigation tivated arable land which if given sectors of the Zambian economy, diversify and grow other crops. For they grow but should also diversify development and other agricultural to the private sector is able to fill the manufacturing and agriculture example the Times of Zambia in the livestock they rear, since programs. The World Bank also gap that exists in the market of most importantly. Agriculture will agriculture products and to a large continue to provide jobs in our THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 33 34 income to hire labour for weeding. Picture Source: Felix Clay-Duckrabbit My father was a man of lesser education but his work astonished me, “intensification on this trivial land is our goal” Dad added, so we We ploughed profits grew a variety of crops ranging from cereals and vegetables to tubers and nuts. back into the community At harvest, Dad went round the community to invite loafing youths to work at the farm; it was a first land- mark towards creation of employ- ment. Little did I know that my father had aspirations of being ‘My own By Austine Wamunyima boss’, how strange it was! The men were harvesting and lifting the produce from field to shelter while the women were rinsing and knifing carrots, groundnuts and cassava On our continuous peasant, how unique are we to make it from small scale farming?” tubers. I did not understand want search for farming land was happening, “father, what is Mary Kapwamba tills her field happening here?” I asked, “Value a soft downy morning it She did not understand the mystery of success folded in the land. Dad addition Son”, he replied. machines for making peanut butter serious employers. A total of twenty THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE was, we landed in asked, “Son look, we have a small were scouted for and the youths were employed by the end Actually Dad was gender sensitive, produced groundnut was of the year two, this was a THEIR VIEWS ON HOW THE Zambia. Everyone looks piece of land; to address food security, job and wealth creation in he sent two men and three women processed into peanut butter on far milestone. AGRICULTURAL SECTOR CAN CREATE JOBS ON A rural with hut like this rural community what do we to survey the best market for side of the farm, irrigation equip- do?” processed and packaged raw ment and other simple planting One morning Mum went to town, BROAD SCALE AND LIFT houses on 3ha lands. carrots and cassava. Each of these equipment were also sourced. there she met the manager of Spar RURAL COMMUNITIES “Food and Agriculture Organiza- youths went home with a gallon of These required a huge labour both Soweto. He was a hulk giant of a OUT OF POVERTY skilled and unskilled to ensure the A mighty country it is, people are so tion (FAO) has projected the maize. Our products gained reputa- man, with bald head and sprouting friendly like Christ and it seemed increase in human population tion and value, thus called for a high inputs are mounted on the farm. moustache. The manager was everyone went to church. Mum was around the globe by 50% by 2030 price. We made a lot of money as amused when it came to light that thirsty, I was pressed, and we just and 70% by 2050 striking 9 billion quick as the big bang theory. Later, We produced green fresh vegeta- our products ‘the knifed variety needed a lay bay. Upon the bits of and 15billion respectively, from the it marked the collapse of the bles throughout the year which vegetables’ had stormed the time, a man with a walking staff current 7billion. This entails that season. were cut in different sizes and greater market of Soweto. He advanced towards my father, Dad ‘more food’ is needed to be sealed on a disposable plate with requested mum to sign a contract realised the man could be from a produced on marginal land using Flourishing as previous season was, a small red chilly on the side and to supply Spar with vegetables and royal background, “excuse me”, he improved farming technologies our preparation for the coming later stored under cold climate ‘the peanut butter, an offer not even the said, “We are looking for farming which are economically and season was intensive particularly on common cooler box’ before head- president would reject. Our market land”. The royal stranger was ecologically friendly such as agro input side i.e. supply of fertilizers, ing for market. base expanded coherently. How- amused directed us to the chief forestry, conservation farming and supply of various mechanization ever, satisfying the demand for our who charged us three chickens and many more. technologies and supply of high Every time I woke up and glanced products was a challenge as land a goat for a 3ha piece of land. yielding and disease resistance through the back window, I would limitation arose. Discussing with A rainy season called, it marked the varieties. The achievement of these see a huge crowd of people; the neighbouring land owners for The land brought jubilation to my beginning of our success, a much aspects was facilitated by access to old and the young, the mean and possible encroachment proved father. Apparently mum was sad, talked about conservation farming credit which was offered to us by a the humble, all at edge of our futile. How solemn a situation was, I she said to us, “Central Statistics we used to grow crops reduced Smallholder Farmer Support Organi- wooden fence, agony being not knew my father for having a second Office says 81% of the farmers are the cost of fertilizers and saved zation. The simple mechanical realizing that we had become plan for every situation. He said to THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 35 Picture Source: Felix Clay-Duckrabbit 36 us, ‘Though the fouls may threaten, People’s livelihood improved drasti- stormy winds may blow but for the cally, not only on income side but love and aspirations of uplifting also on nutrition since fish became people from abject poverty, their major source of proteins. onward we shall go”. Individual responsibility was enhanced both at household and As preparation for super drew community level. Mum influenced near, Mum said, “what if we started the formation of a cooperative fish farming on these laggards group in the community so that they lands”, Dad replied, “brilliant idea”. could have easy access inputs from “Will they agree?” I asked. “Which Farmer Input Support Program. tree can a Caterpillar fail to uproot, Son,” he said boldly. Indeed, Zambian economic brief AUSTINE WAMUNYIMA states 62% of the working Zambi- At seven o'clock, Dad had already ans are poor because they have Austine Wamunyima is an Agro- knocked at three houses, deliber- concentrated on agriculture. In forestry student representing the ated with them for a joined owner- addition other authors have Copperbelt University. Austine’s ship of ponds to be constructed on indicated that agriculture is a multi- ambitions extend to him working their pieces of land. This initiative dimensional form of slavery through THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH on agriculture in government on cheered up the inhabitants and which the poor feed the rich. small scale farmer capacity build- hoped for the best. Each house- Though opposite sentiments have ing and agricultural policy formu- been issued, the pencil remains in lation. His dream job is one that GIVE THEIR OPINIONS ON hold contributed two individuals for man power thereby reducing ours hands to answer the question; involves him working very closely labour cost of digging fish pond if agriculture did not have the with small scale farmers. HOW AN IMPROVEMENT IN hole. What started as a simple idea potential to create job and grew to the heights of creating improve rural livelihood, why then jobs; the pond engineers and the have majority of Zambians contin- THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION water analyst were hired. Sponta- ued to farm on less than 3ha lands neously fish bred in the pond. Being till today? the major shareholder, Dad CAN LEAD TO JOB CREATION ensured equal distribution of resources among workers and ploughed back profits into the IN ZAMBIA community. AUTHORS: ESANJU MASEKA CHOTA MPUKU JESSEN JAY SIAMUTWA THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 38 Picture Source: Arne Hoel - World Bank 37 “Learn to do a job rather than learn to get a job!” by the Zambian government to school curriculum needed. For The Zambia Economic Outlook by By Esanju Maseka develop the Zambia Education basic education is supposed to the African Development Bank Curriculum Framework (ZECF). The ensure that individuals are given a (2014) recommends that in order to new curriculum aims at equipping chance to develop their potential harness the strengths resulting from learners at all levels with vital knowl- and thus lay the foundation for the country’s economic growth, edge, skills, positive attitudes and employability. Failure to meet reduce poverty and aid job crea- The effect, a large number of unem- “Learn to do a job rather ployed graduates. This idle human values right through from Early Childhood Care Development and demands that will arise alongside the change may result in a total tion, diversification of the economy must be a priority. This must be than learn to get a job!” capital could instead be utilised to Education to Tertiary Education and flop of the new curriculum; a situa- done by harnessing the potential of THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE enhance economic development. Adult Literacy. Skills development tion described as “new wine in old non-copper minerals and other THEIR OPINIONS ON HOW AN Wise words I wish had But how can we bridge the gap will be enhanced through voca- skins”. natural resources. The most likely IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY been shared with me between academia and employ- tional subjects such as Agricultural way of doing so, they suggest, will OF EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO ment? The answer lies in realigning Science, Design and Technology The next stage of education, known be determined by the manufactur- JOB CREATION IN ZAMBIA much earlier on in my educa- the educational system such that it and Home Economics, to name but as the initial training stage should ing sector, which is controlled by tional career. You see, the notion will increase the employability of a few. instill industry-based and profes- the private sector, but is linked to often preached to students is for students. sional competencies that facilitate these natural resources. them to get the highest possible At junior secondary level, pupils will the transition into the job market qualification they can get so that What is job creation all about? Job have an option of taking either a through tertiary institutions. Careful In this regard, vocational schools when they apply for “that job” they creation, according to the Cam- vocational or academic path. consideration must be given to are instrumental. The quality of will have a better chance of getting bridge Advanced Learner’s Diction- Pupils who follow the vocational align skills development with the education at vocational schools it than “that other applicant”. ary, is the “process of providing pathway will be awarded a Level needs of the market. Appropriate should be improved to put special new jobs, especially for people Three trade certificate by TEVETA skills development will ensure “the emphasis on technical, vocational The end result, the country’s job who are unemployed.” This often recognising their skills development. quality and relevance of education and entrepreneurship skills to market flooded with too many over comes in the form of government Thus, students who are unable to and training for women and men support sustainable national qualified students competing for policies intended to reduce unem- finish 12 years of school and opt to fuels the innovation, investment, economic growth that can bring too few jobs and the reality that ployment and may take a variety of take the vocational path will be technological change, enterprise rise to the proposed diversification. employees aren’t actually looking forms including educational more equipped to live productively development, economic diversifica- Focus should not be put on the for qualification upon qualification, reforms. in society and fend for themselves tion and competitiveness that quantity of young people that but actual experience. A term often in the world of work, leaving them economies need to accelerate the receive vocational training but on referred to as education inflation. In A look at the existing educational better off than they would have creation of more jobs, but also the quality or relevance of the train- fact, there is a growing trend in systems shows that it is failing the been with the other system. more productive jobs.” ing received. Zambia showing a mismatch Zambian citizens in that it falls short (International Labour Organisations between the quality of the gradu- of enabling citizens to meet the The increased flexibility and focus (ILO) 2008 International Labour Employers, particularly in the manu- ates being produced and the demands of society. On a brighter on skills development at an early Conference (ILC)). facturing sector, can be identified needs of the job market. note, a move was recently made age may be just what the former throughout Zambia who can be THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 39 40 identified throughout Zambia who competencies are maintained and can be involved in the manage- improved as work, technology, and ment of these training institutions to skills requirements change.” An help them keep updated with tech- example can be given of Germany, nology changes and ICT equip- where employers’ social security An educated workforce ment. This will also help them keep contributions are reimbursed if they up with what occupations and skills devote down time to staff training. are on demand. A body made up Such initiatives would encourage is pivotal for Zambia’s of employers’ and workers’ repre- the work force in Zambia to sentatives, business associations, upgrade their skills in current jobs specialised learning and research and even take on more challeng- development institutions is a mechanism that ing jobs. Employers will also be could be used to facilitate a willing to take on more employers continuous process of updating and train them. ESANJU MASEKA information on skill requirements. These quality control measures The task and now growing burden Esanju Maseka a Commerce which have actually been adopted of job creation shouldn’t entirely be student from Mulungushi University in the Arab States will help ensure left to corporate entities, govern- in Kabwe. Esanju’s ambition is to By Chota Mpuku that vocational schools remain ment and other organisations in seamlessly balance a family life relevant to the market and that need of human skills and labour. and career that aims to improve students become more productive Our educational system should the quality of people’s lives. employees. emphasise the realities of what goes on beyond the classroom so from my parents telling me I have to Furthermore, instead of pushing all that through practical skills training No one told me that uni-­ I realize that education is a key young people to get the highest students can graduate with a men- THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE educational attainment in their tality of becoming part of the THEIR OPINIONS ON HOW AN versity would be easy but component to development. Is it a coincidence that the top five most grasp so they can become a CEO in a big corporation, emphasis solution to the ongoing deficiency in the labour market. Should they IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY they also seemed to educated countries are also OF EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO should also be put on the impor- be faced with a lack of need for JOB CREATION IN ZAMBIA forget to tell me that I among the world’s richest? Accord- ing to OECD statistics Canada, tance of family business and encouragement given for them to their skills, with the various skills learnt they can then endeavor to would only get three Israel, Japan, United States and establish their own enterprises. create jobs themselves through hours of sleep as I struggle to New Zealand rank highest with Apart from government seeking to establishing of their own businesses cram knowledge into my brain and over 40% of their population gain- provide funds for these students and companies. meet deadlines on back to back ing degrees. Even locally receiving seeking to start up their own enter- assignments while I survived on a an education does have an prises, they can encourage more In conclusion, education reforms diet of noodles and cheap biscuits. impact, according to the Zambia business incubators to be set up, should take a two pronged Its unhealthy I know, but I persevere Economic Brief in 85% of students providing the necessary environ- approach, namely alternative job and with good reason. It is that gained a post-secondary tech- ment to ensure the success of these creation avenues through because I believe I have ideas and nical degree received employment. start-ups. preneurial skills emphasis for identi- if I ever want to see them come to fied students and acquisition of fruition I need to be guided, I So there can be no harm in Lastly, lifelong learning and the ILO practical skills tailored to demands need an education. promoting education in a develop- (2008) suggest that we should and skills required by employers for ing country like Zambia. In fact ensure “individuals’ skills and all students. When it comes to my ideas why do promoting quality education, that is I put my faith in education? Apart accessible to everyone, equips THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE Picture Source: Annabel Vere 41 42 students with basic skills with the proper skills of course. It is disheartening to see that girls (numeracy, literacy and behavioral Quality education will encourage still have trouble getting an educa- skills), has a focus on diverse skills entrepreneurship, which in turn will tion with 20% of them saying that training, allows for creativity and is create jobs. Struggling to believe they drop out because of preg- modern and relevant, will be this? According to a Crunchbase nancy, marriage and health beneficial in all aspects of a data set of 6150 technology com- according to the Zambia Economic country’s development. Let me pany founders its found that Stan- Brief. Poverty also remains one of focus on one aspect that I believe ford University tops the list of Univer- the biggest banes to access to education has the greatest impact sities that have released entrepre- education. The Zambia Economic on, jobs. Most people insist on neurs into our world, with 296 Brief also points out that only 0.2% getting an education with the founders having enrolled there. It of people considered to be living in hopes that they will receive a well was followed by Massachusetts poverty have received an educa- paying job in the future, so people Institute of Technology (MIT) with tion beyond secondary school. The CHOTA MPUKU pursue an education in order to 171, University of California, Berke- picture becomes worse when you gain skills they can use. Which is ley with 156, Harvard University with realize that the few people that do A student of Commerce at Mulun- where education has the most 122 and to round off the Harvard manage to get an education do gushi University, Chota Mpuku impact when it comes to jobs, Business School with 112. and to not receive a quality education. aspires to have a career as the acquiring skills. round off the Harvard Business Data collected by the Southern creator of the next big entrepre- School with 112. These are schools and Eastern Africa Consortium for neurial success allowing him to An improvement in the quality of that are known to provide a sub Monitoring Education Quality combine a career in business, education will equip people with a par education, proving that gradu- (SACMEQ) when it tested Southern marketing and writing. diverse range of skills, improve the ating from any one of these schools and Eastern African countries' quality of the workforce and could give you the right opportuni- grade 6 students ranked Zambia improve the economy. But how will ties in all the right places. So 13th out of 14 countries in reading an improvement in skills create promoting a quality education will and last in mathematics. jobs? Foreign investors may be promote entrepreneurship and attracted to Zambia for its abun- encourage job creation. dant natural resources but a work- Facts like these are hard to see and force that has a diverse range of I realise that I am one of the fortu- even harder to bear but as an skills has the ability to attract more nate few when it comes to receiv- optimist would say at this point, it foreign investment Just in Zambia ing a quality education, let alone only means we have more to alone foreign investment has any education at all. A lot of improve. We have seen the created over 10,000 jobs created people are held back by factors positive picture that education has in 2011 according to data like location, gender and poverty. painted, it gives people the skills collected by Ernst and Young that give confidence to investors Zambia. An education that offers and creates future investors of its skills training in a diverse range of own by promoting entrepreneur- aptitudes will increase investor ship and who knows maybe invest- confidence to invest in other sectors ing in a quality education may of our economy. yield the same for Zambia. Maybe the next big technology company Remember I mentioned education will see potential in our growing as the key to achieving my ideas, number of computer scientists, or Picture Source: Arne Hoel - World Bank now imagine an economy run by a maybe a local entrepreneur may number of successful ideas and not start that next big company it may just mine but ideas from all over be founded by someone who Zambia. I believe that creativity and understands poverty, it may be me, innovation will be the result of it may be a man or it may be a people been taught and exposed woman? Who knows? With to new ways of doing things as education the possibilities are long as they have been equipped limitless. THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 43 44 The Brief in Brief: Education TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia 45 46 Learning how to think basic business skills and linking and not what to think would-be entrepreneurs to mentor- ing, finance, and market opportuni- ties. These integrated approaches is the key are needed to assist young people in their transition from school to work and to tackle the multiple constraints and drivers of informality in the labour market through policy packages that promote a gradual transition to formal activities. By Jessen Jay Siamutwa This education should be made in such a way that it does not only provide knowledge in programs rather than what to think rather to A Labour Force Survey statistical and reliable learning and labour such as Arts, Humanities, and Social Living in a country improve our minds so as to enable data by the Central Statistical market information systems will Sciences but also provide practical us to think for ourselves, than to Office (CSO, 2008) of unemployed contribute to a successful matching skills in their areas of profession to THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH GIVE where unemployment load the memory with thoughts of persons by educational attainment of skills to address and prevent allow them to earn a living as THEIR OPINIONS ON HOW AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY is high and whose men, and allows for a liaise between learning institutions and shows that University degree graduates were the least with the current and future skill shortages. A strong link that provides information writers, artists, and designers. OF EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO economy is not stable all industries to exhibit innovation per cent share of 0.5 per cent. about the needs between the It should help in building a “virtuous JOB CREATION IN ZAMBIA and creativity. A-level students were at 4.1 academic circle and all types of circle” that fuels the innovation, calls for stringent percent following those who industries such as; agriculture, investment, technological change, measures that result For instance, information on skill attained grades 10 to 12 with a percent share of 16.5 percent. manufacturing, services, tourism, and mining industry is cardinal in enterprise development, economic diversification, and competiveness needs from the manufacturing and in the creation of jobs. mining industries may provide an Grades 8 to 9 and grades 1 to 7 bridging the mismatch between that economies need to accelerate Investment in quality education is opportunity for higher learning shared a percentage of 19.0 jobs and skills in the labour market. the creation of jobs. This is the way one measure that could deliver institutions to offer training in textiles, percent and 44.4 percent respec- Such information is needed to build for Zambia’s economic miracle. tangible and far-reaching results. engineering and copper produc- tively. A percentage share of 15.4 a relevant academic curriculum tion respectively. Employers are percent was allocated to those that will expedite the creation of However, quality education is not A system of learning that produces awash with applications but com- who neither had a degree qualifi- jobs. just at the higher level. It comes all well-educated individuals who can plain that they cannot find candi- cation nor any form of educational the way from early intervention handle matters of concern within dates with the right abilities. The attainment. This percentage distri- Furthermore, an entrepreneurship which helps to prevent long-term their area of study proficiently, lack of proper linkages among bution, especially for degree spirit must be instilled in every unemployment and reduce job enabling them to develop all of various principal actors like the graduates was mainly due to learner so that they could create losses. It needs to be addressed at their attributes and skills to achieve Ministry of Labour and learning mismatches in job qualifications their own employment, without all levels-from home to university their potential as human beings institutions has led to job and skills needed by the employers. necessarily depending on estab- level. It has a chain effect. The and members of society is the mismatches between the employ- lished industries for employment. university professor may be blamed solution to Zambia’s joblessness. It ers’ requirements and individual Informing education and career The successful entrepreneurship for dearth of proper skills and should teach us rather how to think skills. choices through relevant, timely programs should involve providing knowledge imparted in students THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 47 2 Picture Source: AdaH. - Flickr 48 required by the job industry, but he Zambia needs to address unem- new labour market principle actors or she will blame the high school ployment with renewed serious- to accelerate economic develop- teacher who in turn puts the blame ness, vigour, and tenacity by learn- ment. on the primary school teacher too ing lessons from countries like India, until it reaches the parents at home. Costa Rica, and South Korea which A common proverb goes, “If you made quality education broadly want to grow a straight tree, available and introduced mecha- correct it whilst it is still small.” There- nisms to match supply to the current fore, it is from this point that quality demand for skills, often by means of education takes its roots of chang- linking training providers with ing individual attitudes by being employers at sector and local ethical, morally upright, and selfless. levels. Such will bring a positive transition Pan African is right in the statement, for a generation that has been “A nation that waits for her govern- born into entitlements, poor work ment to create jobs will wait for ethics, pursuit of instant gratification eternity.” It is therefore, important and whose needs are to fuel that the Zambian education system JESSEN JAY SIAMUTWA constant narcissism. Without this should be able to “create employ- intervention, such a broken society ment creators” instead of preparing Jessen Jay Siamutwa is currently that favours short-term values is young people to be employable studying Commerce at the Mulun- never going to recover or build a since formal employment jobs are gushi University. He is currently stable society no matter how many scarce, and not everyone may get studying towards a career as a vocational schools can be set up. absorbed into the labour market. leading Economic Policy Analyst and Advisor. It is important to note that the prob- While competition in the emerging lem with every society has and always will be its values. These are markets is fierce, the real potential of Zambia will begin to be realized THOUGHTS FROM THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON WHY, what allow it to thrive or fall. if there is an improvement in the quality of the education system. The In addition, it is sad that decision- fight for social and economic making processes for students and parents in selecting higher- justice in form of quality education for the Zambian citizens must be ACCORDING TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF A LARGE education institution continue to be kept alive in order to grow the based on affordability rather than economy from a tiny acorn to a on quality. Young people are mighty oak through the creation of made to believe that any field of study from a registered institution jobs. NUMBER OF WORKING ZAMBIANS ARE POOR will automatically send them off to Liaising with labour market principle their dream job. Clive Staples Lewis actors and academic circles will just puts it right, “You never know provide an opportunity to train how much you really believe citizens for the proper needs of the anything until its truth, or falsehood industries, and impart skills for them becomes a matter of life and death to become employment creators to you.” All learning institutions rather than being ready to be should be able to provide quality employed. This should not side-line AUTHORS: education in terms of relevant instilling an entrepreneurial spirit to MUMBI MULENGA | PATRICIA TEMBO | LUMELA LUMELA curriculum that meets the demand the citizens to enable them of the labour market. become innovative and become THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 49 50 lack the necessary education, access to input-output markets and infrastructure. A forward step in securing all these for farmers Tackling productivity would lead to increased produc- tivity and invariably, to an increase in earnings and freedom from the is the key to improving unabated shackles of poverty. Picture Source: Curt Carnemark - World Bank However, an improvement in land rights would be a good starting earnings point to end this agonizing saga. By Mumbi Mulenga However, the levels of productivity formal jobs has been sluggishly Working Zambian adults are so close to the ground that the her peers in Sub-Sahara have a stable cohort of home business slow. A 2008 Labour Force Survey are more likely to be poor earnings derived from such owners, willing to leave agriculture revealed that between 2005 and farming-based livelihoods are 2008 inclusive, net employment than the nonworking. In nothing short of meagre. Statistics but unable to find wage employ- ment. The common commercial increased by 475, 000 but only 3.3 THOUGHTS FROM THE fact, a large number of show that in 2010, 4.5 million Zam- activities of home businesses and percent was formal employment. ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON WHY, bians were employed, with about Referring to such a statistic as a ACCORDING TO THE ZAMBIA working or employed 68 percent of those in farming, microenterprises include producing charcoal, milling, roof thatching mere “drop in the ocean” is a MUMBI MULENGA ECONOMIC BRIEF A LARGE Zambians are poor. including fishing and forestry. Of and producing iron and wood generous sugar-coat. Notwith- NUMBER OF WORKING the 4.5 million Zambian employ- products. The service sector com- standing, with unity of purpose and Mumbi Mulenga is a Law ZAMBIANS ARE POOR It is worthwhile to establish the basis ees, more than 80 percent are in prises activities such as vending continued effort, the future is not student from the University of and source of such a gloomy asser- nonwage employment. and personal services. Unfortu- completely bleak. Zambia. Mumbi has a strong tion that a large number of working nately, like their counterparts solely passion for law and social Zambians are poor. The World Coincidentally, or maybe not, low living off the land, the more To every problem, there is a justice thus he dreams of one Bank has developed a reputation levels of productivity are also found business and service provision solution or a way of minimizing its day becoming an advocate of of delivering bad news. Be that as it in nonfarm self-employment and oriented Zambians have not been effects. In order to adequately the High Court. may, and in stark contrast to some the formal sector. To be fair though, able to side-step the sweeping ameliorate the consequences of a brooding omnipresence in the sky, Zambia lacks the necessary condi- claws of poverty, also because of problem, one must know exactly the World Bank carried out a tions to ensure that “work pays off low productivity and the low wages what it is and where it stems from. research and published, in better” in agriculture and as well as common to the private sector. The problem staring our beloved Zambia’s Economic Brief, the reali- nonfarm self-employment such as mother Zambia in the face is that a ties on the ground of Zambia’s jobs the technology in which the more Rapid growing economies are large number of the employed challenge. developed countries pride them- often accompanied by structural population is mired in poverty, with selves. change where the non-agricultural 81 percent engaged in farming. Job earnings are generally the labour force grows faster than the biggest share of people’s incomes; Those that shun, or are otherwise agricultural force. However in In conclusion, and as earlier the higher the incomes, the lower unable to engage in agriculture Zambia, this structural change has alluded to, and this cannot be the poverty levels. The majority of find themselves in home businesses come unhurriedly, keeping one too over-emphasized, the problem Zambia’s employed are concen- (nonfarm) or microenterprises. many Zambians detained in the stems from the incredibly low levels trated in the agricultural sector. Analysis shows that, like Zambia, agricultural sector. The creation of of production. Many of our farmers THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 51 52 everywhere? Perhaps the Bible Picture Source: Mike Segar has some answers. In this instance, I find that the parable of the sower is of much relevance, the realistic application of which is Tufola ama five that some people simply have rocky and thorny grounds on which to sow their seed; limited zale sistele job opportunities, lack of access Picture Source: Hikaaba Hikaaba - WAY ADS to land, poor road and communi- cation infrastructure, poor water and sanitation, poor markets for agricultural produce, lack of access to credit, poorly designed So the government does have a By Patricia Tembo and targeted government plan after all. One can only hope programs. These factors are the that the said ‘programmes’ are main drivers of household well designed and targeted to fulfil poverty, according to the Growth their intended objective. More and Equity Study conducted by importantly, this need not only be for absconding school for nearly a may be growing but the wallets of Economics Association Zambia on paper, but as practical as “Tizakawina liti” (when year was that he fears that the the average working Zambian are (EAZ) in 2012. poverty itself- a practical solution to shrinking. THOUGHTS FROM THE will we get fat) is the classroom may collapse on him. a practical problem. Not to be political, but one can ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON WHY, title of a song by the late Suzyo is one of approximately 12 So why sow so much yet reap very hardly ignore the government’s role But the government can only do so ACCORDING TO THE ZAMBIA little? You may be familiar with ECONOMIC BRIEF A LARGE Zambian musician percent of children aged between 5-14 years who are working, Nathan Nyirenda’s 2005 hit song in not only combatting poverty but much. After all, even the sower in the Bible didn’t sit and wait for also preventing it. The central NUMBER OF WORKING Daddy Zimus. The song’s lyrics about 20,000 of whom are living ‘Mwamakufi Yandi Mwinenuka’ (my economic role of government is to manna to fall from heaven. The ZAMBIANS ARE POOR echo the frustrations of many hard and working on the streets (UNICEF knees, do not give up), in which the assist in the socially desirable reality is that Zambians are too working Zambians who work so Zambia Fact Sheet -2013). The song writer expressed his despond- allocation of resources; to distribute comfortable working for others. hard to provide for their families, yet infant stone breaker lives with his ency on the notion of working so the desirable 'fertile soil', to facilitate Most people feel that a career is still have little or no money to even parents and three siblings, some- hard but with little or no gain. opportunities and create enabling working for a person or company support themselves. where in Chiwala area on the environments for people to sow and being paid monthly. Mean- Copperbelt. Suffice to say, there The man was so puzzled that he their seed. Only then can we objec- while, foreigners come to Zambia, Worst still, this poverty has no age ought to be a picture of this house- questioned, among other things, tively judge who is lazy or hard- start a business and improve their limit. Consider the impact of the hold on the definition of the word whether it is our skin that is too working. living standards within few years. ripple effect of poverty on the poverty in the dictionary. I felt so black or perhaps our initiative that So a stranger comes into your children of the working, yet so poor selfish for having a whole room is too little. Well, needless to say, “My government has taken an yard, plants tomatoes on your soil adults. Eleven year old Suzyo, for and bed to myself. this song did not sit well with the unprecedented painful step of and sells them to you. instance, has hands as rough and then current government, though curtailing subsidies on fuel and hard as my 72 year old grandfa- According to the Zambia for obvious reasons, it was quite the maize,” President Michael Sata Take for instance Joseph Musukwa ther who has been farming for half Economic Brief (ZEB) compiled by favourite of the opposition, espe- said, “thereby releasing much (not real name), who works for a a century. the World Bank in 2013, cially during campaign period. needed resources for programmes Chinese company based in Ndola, Zambia’seconomy has grown that specifically target poverty that specialises in selling building “I break stones and sell them at K1 relatively when compared to other So “you reap what you sow”- one alleviation.” This was in his state- blocks- of course made using per 5 litre container,” he said, as we Sub-Saharan African countries. would naturally assume that the ment during the opening of the materials obtained within Zambia. shared a sugarcane on a day However, most working Zambians poor simply do not sow as much United Nations General Assembly’s He is one of 62 percent of adults in when he should ordinarily have are still asking, “Where is my as the wealthy. But what if the General Debate on the 24th of the 36-64 age group who are been in school. The excuse he gave share?” The Zambian economy fertility of the soil is not the same September, 2013, in New York. working but still poor (ZEB 2013). THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 53 54 “Tufola ama five zale sistele” (we cannot be exclusively explained are paid K500 my sister), said Ba using statistics as statistics cannot Joze, when asked what his monthly reflect the physical, mental and Zambia needs salary is. This is a 37 year old man psychological pain of perpetual with a wife and five children to take poverty even in the face of hard care of. He did confide in me how- work. To use the illustration of the labour law reforms ever, that he puts aside some extra sower, it may thus be said that; they cement for his ‘special customers’, cannot access the fertile soil on the proceeds of which he puts in his which to plant their seed, they are own pockets. This is like ‘stealing’ friendly enough to ‘lend’ the fertile those tomatoes that the stranger soil to foreigners for whom they are has planted in your yard. How comfortable working, or are too PATRICIA TEMBO ironic! smart and educated to do anything other than a white collar Patricia Tembo is a Law student Most Zambians have a perception job. Unfortunately, these current from the University of Zambia. circumstances equally blur the fate By Lumela Lumela that a good job is one where one Patricia is working towards a has gone to college or university of future generations as they are position as legal counsel for a and is working in an office, regard- left with a poor foundation and little large international organiza- less of how much such a person aspiration. tion. Her dream job however is earns in that office job. Youths to one day be partner in her accordingly express interest in And so Zambians continue to com- own law firm. workers, general workers, and for working in the public sector, largely plain while the Masai, resident in Labour laws are a shop workers respectively issued because of perceptions of job Zambia, earn a fortune plaiting hair security and higher pay. Most of at ridiculous prices. Perhaps what Zambian worker's pursuant to Chapter 276. All these THOUGHTS FROM THE pieces of legislation guarantee the those who are in self-employment Zambians need is a change of ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON WHY, worst enemy. This is basic rights of workers and regu- do so as a last resort (Zambia attitude; after all, it is all about Institute for Policy Analysis and survival of the fittest. Clearly, some ACCORDING TO THE ZAMBIA because they conspire late the employment relationships in an equitable manner. They ECONOMIC BRIEF A LARGE Research- 2013). foreigners do seem to be more fit than the indigenous, thus eliminat- NUMBER OF WORKING to trap him in a prison protect employees in respect of their conditions of work, including The reasons why a larger number ing the weaker and leaving them ZAMBIANS ARE POOR of poverty with the full safety and health at work places. destitute in their own territory. of working Zambians are poor support of generations These pieces of legislation have of law makers. gaps and omissions that, in some cases, result in the employers breaching the labour laws without The specific pieces of legislation that have created an enabling facing the courts of law. Besides, environment for the exploitation the Employment Act enacted to and impoverishment of workers protect the interest of workers in are; The Employment Act, Chapter Zambia does not favour casual 268 of the Laws of Zambia: the workers (who form the majority of Industrial and Labour Relations Act, workers in Zambia) in the sense Chapter 269: the Minimum Wages that casual workers are not and Conditions of Employment Act, recognised as employees so Chapter 276 of the laws of protected by the Act. Zambia: others includes the 2012 Statutory Instruments No. 45, No. Similarly, Zambia has set up 46, and No. 47 for domestic various policy frameworks THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 55 56 designed to improve the livelihood Most Zambians are employed and the issue of fair or equitable wages of working Zambians. The most according to the World Bank, has not been domesticated. There relevant are the National Employ- about 8.5 percent of the working- are clear reasons why it is not prac- ment and Labour Market Policy age group reported themselves as tically viable to domesticate these aimed at the creation of adequate unemployed in the year 2010. conventions and later to adhere to and quality jobs under conditions Majority of these depend entirely them. that ensure adequate income on the working Zambians for their protection of workers and human survival as they still await to be rights. These policies are far from engaged in wage employment. The problem regarding the issue of achieving their intended objectives. However, irrespective of receiving minimum wage is due to the fact low wages, the working Zambians that once new minimum wages are Secondly, the 6th National Devel- are still required to send their effected, there is no follow up LUMELA LUMELA Picture Source: Arne Hoel-World Bank opment Plan 2011-2015 raises children to school and fend for their mechanism and compliance is issues related to constitutional families. therefore at the discretion of the Lumela Lumela is a Law student capacity and building for effective employer. Joint monitoring by Trade from the University of Zambia. policy management. It is aimed at Moreover, the World Bank reports Unions and employers is provided He is studying law with the aim promoting sustainable economic that only a few working Zambians for by the law but the Labour office of becoming a Chief Legal growth in order to reduce poverty, are paid higher wages. These under the Ministry of Labour and Advisor. thus making Zambia ‘a prosperous consist of those employed in the Social Security does all the monitor- middle-income country by 2030’. public sector and form about 17 ing at present. Lamentably, the Yet poverty seems to be the order percent of the total employed State lacks resources to effectively of the day in 2014. unpaid family workers or engage- offering poor working conditions of Zambian population. Nevertheless, regulate conditions of service, ment in informal self-employment. service to their employees. This is they too are not able to meet their much to the disadvantage of It should be highlighted that These categories of workers have clearly evidenced by lack of provi- needs. Majority of them live in employees. Certain employers although these laws and policies fewer prospects for raising their sion of amenities such as of health urban areas and urban-life requires even threaten to lay off the employ- are in place, the practical reality standards of living and constitute services, medical services, and them to pay very high rates of ees when they lobby for a salary reflected on the ground is below what is called ‘the working poor’. education for employees’ children rentals, electricity and health care increment. par and not many Zambian These are employed on fixed among others. bills, including transport to and from employees (including some short-term contracts without their place of work. The situation is In all these circumstances, most employers) are aware of these support from unions, earning low or A study conducted by an author in even worse with the recent removal working Zambians are poor legislative provisions and policies. In no wages, no medical care the Chisamba Area, Chibombo of fuel and maize subsidies. Conse- because the labour market in some cases, many know about the schemes or housing allowance or District of Central Province revealed quently, they remain poor despite Zambia is faced with various laws, but there are still challenges in terminal benefits. Basically, they that the highly paid casual employ- receiving higher wages. challenges such as poor conditions accessing good conditions of have none of the benefits that ees popularly known as ‘general of service and non-compliance to service for a number of reasons, would have accrued to them if they workers’ in the Agricultural sector It is also important to note that labour laws. Zambia needs labour some of which are outlined later in were employed on a contract of earn about K800 per month. Zambia has ratified a number of law reforms that are relevant to the this article. service. According to a report published on International Labour Organisation employers and employees. Labour the 9th of January, 2014 by the Conventions whose principle aim is laws must be reformed to make According to the World Bank’s Although Zambia has legal and Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflec- the improvement and supervision of them responsive to the needs and Economic Brief, most of the jobs in policy frameworks intended to tion (JCTR)’s Basic Needs Basket, this world labour conditions through dynamics of the market. This is Zambia are predominantly informal safeguard and improve the living amount is not sufficient to sustain a the adoption of protective and because the market is constantly with insecure conditions of service standards of people, most working family. JCTR Executive Director promotional instruments. However, changing in the face of numerous and inadequate income. Only 10% Zambians are still mired in poverty. Father Chiti stated that the food domestication of these instruments economic changes that are taking of the approximately six million Our labour regulations allow basket for an average family of six has not been a priority. For place. Only then can we witness labour force have formal jobs in employers to negotiate wages for must be above K3, 500. The ques- instance, the Minimum Wage Con- poverty level reduction among Zambia. The majority of the workers their employees. Thus, employers tion is how does the general vention, No. 13, which is relevant to working Zambians. work in subsistence agriculture as are able to get a workforce despite worker feed his or her family? THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 57 58 The Brief in Brief: Population TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia 59 Picture Source: Jonathan Ernst-World Bank 60 The route to prosperity for all? Smart investment of our mining revenue By Mazuba Banda percent compared with 84.6 Despite repeated prom-­ percent who were in the informal ises from the PF admin-­ sector. istration that more jobs Out of the employed persons in the VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF are coming, employ-­ formal sector, 58.7 percent had attained grades 8-12. The majority ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA ment prospects for of the persons employed in the IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE TRANSLATED INTO THE many Zambians, especially informal sector were engaged in VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH youths, remain dismal. Current Agriculture related activities (59.9 CREATION OF JOBS estimates show that over 300,000 percent), while the majority of the young people enter the Zambian persons employed in the formal ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF labour market every year. This is set against the foreboding backdrop sector were engaged in education activities (16.0 percent). This shows ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA of a severe job market, a growing that the formal sector is not a viable population and economic uncer- option for increasing job creation tainty. in our economy, especially with the IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE According to the 2012 Labour rate at which the labour market is growing. TRANSLATED INTO THE Force Survey, the total number of employed persons in 2012 was 5, Though only estimates, these 499, 670 and the unemployed figures provide us with a clear and CREATION OF JOBS were 466, 526. The Central Statis- tics Office reported that of the accurate diagnosis of what ails us: an increasing youth population, a rapidly expanding informal sector, employed population, the majority (52.2 percent) were working in the and most importantly, a growth Agricultural sector. The percentage trajectory that has not been creat- of the employed population who ing new jobs for over a decade were in the formal sector was 15.4 now. AUTHORS: MAZUBA BANDA | ESTHER PHIRI | FRANCISCA MULENGA | ERASMUS MWEENE | PAUL MBOSHYA III 61 62 area. We must now focus on play a significant role in absorbing improving access to agricultural young entrants into the labour technology, as well as facilitating market and has to be part of the easy access to finance. Access to policy that addresses youth unem- credit finance, payments and ployment. We need to see the high savings is critical to the develop- employment tapping potential of ment of this sector. Government this sector as a niche for creating must, therefore, promote and facili- sustainable employment. It is time to tate programmes that increase this see this sector as part of the access especially for smallholder solution as it offers high returns to farmers. capital, especially the informal urban sector. However, although priority has MAZUBA BANDA been placed on the creation of Organising and recognising the formal jobs, the government must informal sector can improve the Mazuba Banda is currently not ignore the importance of the capacity of informal sector workers pursuing a Law degree at the informal sector in job creation. This to meet their basic needs by University of Zambia. Passion- is simply because of the slow pace increasing their incomes and ate about Law and Finance, it at which formal jobs are being strengthening their legal status. This is Mazuba’s ambition to head The cloud is not too heavy to spot As Zambia’s Economic pendulum While diversification is not the created. According to the World will be good for the economy. an investment banking firm in the silver lining. The Economist takes another upward swing; there easiest leap to make, it is the only Bank many youths have set their Further, creating a good business future. magazine has ranked Zambia as is a need for the government to way to achieve long term and eyes on public sector jobs. There is environment such as increased one of the top growers in its list of improve the employability of those sustained economic growth, as well a shrinking importance of the public access to technology and good the twelve countries expected to left behind by previous economic as the achievement of inclusive job sector’s contribution to job creation. infrastructure are strong incentives have the fastest GDP growth rates growth cycles. But, in order to tap creation strategies. Particularly, This will soon be a distant dream in formalising a growing informal in 2014, with a projected growth of the full job creation potential of this manufacturing and construction for most of these youths. Also, the sector. Government policy pundits 7.9 percent. The World Bank Group growth, there are key areas the are like beacons on the hill of formal private sector does not must ensure that the formalisation almost echoes this by projecting an government must aggressively Zambia’s economic challenges, provide a significant number of job costs are dearly reduced in order average GDP growth of more than focus on: diversification of the promising new jobs and an opportunities. It remains too small to ensure that sectors like agricul- 7 percent between 2013 and economy, investment in infrastruc- increased combined contribution to absorb the huge numbers of ture, manufacturing and construc- 2015. This is simply because ture development, manufacturing to the nation’s GDP. According to young people entering the labour tion play a significant role in Zambia keeps recording continued and construction, as well as the the World Bank’s 2013 second market every year. recycling growth for new and Foreign Direct Investment inflows in promotion of entrepreneurship and edition of the Zambia Economic sustainable formal jobs. different sectors, especially mining. private sector investment. Perhaps Briefs which focussed on Zambia’s Additionally, there seems to be a with this focus, the revenue from our jobs challenges, these two sectors significant growth among micro- Zambia’s economic growth trail Now in 2014, mining remains the billion dollar mining industry will put contributed a combined 20.8% to entrepreneurs. However, govern- may be “great” now, but it won’t be backbone of the Zambian smiles on many Zambian faces. the total national gross domestic ment must remove the constraints this way forever. One remains economy. The Ministry of Finance product between 2004 and 2008. that inhibit the achievement of high optimistic that this upward swing of reported an all-time high in copper Jobs are key to lifting people out of returns in the informal sector. the economic pendulum will soon production in 2010 with 767, 000 poverty and ensuring that prosper- Government must further invest in Removing these constraints would favour job creation. It is also one’s metric tons mined, resulting in a ity is shared by all. A good job has the growth of the agriculture sector. enable entrepreneurs to grow their hope that Zambia’s positive GDP growth of 7.6 percent. The the potential to transform the This sector is Zambia’s largest infor- businesses, achieve their full poten- economic outlook will not be nega- mining industry contributed about socio-economic wellbeing of mal employer. And the many years tial and create good quality jobs tively affected by the vicissitudes of 9.5 percent to the GDP in 2011, individuals and families by improv- that Zambia has recorded bumper for themselves and for others. With the election calendar as political with an indirect contribution of up ing access to food, education, harvests have left no mark in foster- a lot of government support, the tensions rise in preparation for the to 50 percent in the same year health care, decent shelter, clean ing increased job creation. This is informal sector will continue to 2016 general elections. according to the Zambia Extractive and safe water and other basic despite the sector’s vast potential Industries Transparency Initiative needs. to significantly contribute to this (EITI). THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 63 64 64 The Brief in Brief: The Public Sector TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA The beautiful ones are not yet born - Mother Zambia, pregnant with potential - By Esther Phiri Lately there has been spoken of to the peasant farmers such as my grandmother who VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF a lot of talk about make up for most of the economic ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA activity in the country or to my IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE Zambia experiencing cousin who runs a ‘ka Ntemba’ (small grocery store) or to my aunt TRANSLATED INTO THE high levels of eco-­ who braids hair in her back yard? CREATION OF JOBS nomic growth with For these are the common Zambi- ans most of whom haven’t gone the gross domestic beyond primary education (under 50% according to the Zambia product for the year 2013 economic brief) so wouldn’t be being projected to stay strong able to understand these figures. above 6%. In addition, the speech Also, before we make the mistake for the official opening of the third of assuming the truth of what has session of the national assembly by to be proved is: how accurate are his Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya these figure and how effective are Sata stated that government these policies? attaches great importance to employment creation as the top Speaking of accuracy in the calcu- most strategy for ensuring the lations of growth indicators, one stability of society and overall would encounter one too many growth of the economy in all gaping holes for information. To sectors. begin with there is a lot of revenue that is not recognised as being Let’s snap out of the economics part of the gross domestic product. mumbo jumbo for a second and An example in plain sight is the This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in get to everyday life. What is this burst in the construction sector. Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s economic growth that is being Many Zambians are beginning to Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia 65 65 66 question that is pending is what are already focused before we can can be done for now? I say let’s begin to think of moving them up start with the basics. the scale to the formal sector. This can be achieved through synergy To begin with, agriculture has and mainstreaming of gender. always been a major part of the Zambian economy. In spite of this, The issue of gender equality cut most of the Zambian farmers are across many sectors. In a society peasant farmers and unfortunately like ours where women are will remain this way for the rest of required to be the primary care their lives because of the vicious givers, the gap between the sexes ESTHER PHIRI cycle. At the end of the farming, is wide. Though this may be the small-scale farmers such as my case, women continue to strive to Currently studying Commerce grandmother, have to sell some of contribute to sustaining their at the Mulungushi University, their produce in order to cater for families through the backyard Esther Phiri aspires to become their needs pay for inputs for the businesses. These initiatives may be CEO of her own social next season. The best prices are small but their collective outcome is franchise. Her career ambitions those offered by the food reserve massive. For it is through a business are borne out of the desire of agency but unfortunately they don’t that women help to educate and service to the betterment of her venture into real estate; do we something that can be easily Paying back loans may prove to be society. know much of these people attained but a lot of ground work so difficult that the few who are have the best reputation in terms of feed their families. These initiatives (particularly those operating on a needs to be done before it can be able to access the funds and invest paying farmers on time; this forces have the potential to create more small scale). Also, there are several achieved. are left in a position worse than them to sell their produce at ridicu- employment if their efforts are professions which are not acknowl- they were before they decided to lously low prices. This means that brought together and formalised. edged or taxed; who takes into To achieve the goal of creating the borrow the money. This is a major famers affected by this plague will account the revenue generated by desired number of decent jobs, limiting factor for small scale inves- remain in the informal sector. This From the look of things, the beauti- entertainers some of whom make there is need to make some major tors. not only takes away their hard ful ones are not yet born but way more than pocket change. changes in various sectors of the earned profits but also limits Zambia is pregnant with potential. Also a great controversy with these economy. There is need to As mentioned earlier in this article, growth. Institutions like the Food With brilliant ideas such as the figure is that supposing it were true strengthen the legal framework more than 50% of Zambian youth Reserve Agency that are major private sector development reform that there have been high levels of such that investments made in the have a primary education or less. stake holders in agriculture ought programme that make doing economic growth why then has it country are not only to reap the This means that their skills are to begin to plan ahead and make business easier and the Zambia failed to translate into job creation? resources and leave, but to limited. In turn, this has an effect on structure as well as strategy decent jobs programme we are on provide sustainable jobs and long the kind of jobs that they can be changes in the way they handle the the right path. Before we can get to The latest innovation by govern- term benefits for the economy. Law employed in accounting for the procurement process. the big picture of creating decent ment in relation to job creation is making bodies need to put up reason why most of the jobs jobs, let start small by strengthening the ‘strategy paper on industrialisa- stronger legislation insuring that created are in the informal sector In addition to agricultural reforms the roots we already have because tion and job creation’. Its main aim Zambians are given first priority for and are not sustainable. To change there is need to focus on empower- society can only be changed over is to create more decent jobs over employment opportunities and are this, there is need to increase ing people in the areas where they time. a five year period. Decent jobs protected from unfair practices. literacy levels to improve the quality according to the Zambia decent of the labour available. jobs programme are the ideal kind Coming to the financial sector, of jobs to be created in any interest rates for private lending In my opinion, it is evident that the economy; jobs which provide institutions are as high as 16.5%. plan to create more decent jobs is opportunities for work to be Where ever you may be in the more long term and to think that it productive, deliver fair income for world this is way too high as most can be achieved quickly is chasing all, protect workers’ rights at work, businesses do not have a turn over waterfalls. . Though I must mention guarantee social protection and this high. So, unless you are grow- since that it is a work in progress, no promote social dialogue. On the ing gold, you will experience conclusive arguments can be surface this might seem like difficulties in paying back the loan. made about its validity. So now the THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 67 68 country instead of just exporting raw copper. This can be achieved by engaging in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with foreign or local investors in the setting up of The solution this manufacturing company. This partnership will be better judging by the way that government has is in how we use failed to handle the mining sector successfully. public funds Furthermore, the transport and communications sector is another sector that has a large real GDP percentage growth with projec- tions of 13.4 percent in 2014. The current state of the railway system By Francisca Mulenga leaves much to be desired as it is in a deplorable state and needs life support. Zambia railway needs to be recapitalized and used as a mode of transportation for all goods including copper and other Zambia has experienced avoidance by the mines. If govern- ment received the taxes it loses commodities in and out of the a robust increase in from the mines, jobs can be created country. Government having noticed this is using the Euro bond VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF economic growth over for civil servants and more youths with business ideas can be empow- to recapitalise the railway system. and more subsistence farmers Dunavant oil mill in Katete can also This will attract business from the despite it employing a large ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA the recent years. Huge ered, hence reducing the high mines that will pay a lot of money number of Zambians. Most of the increase their participation in promoting the out grower scheme IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE amounts of revenue have been levels of unemployment. Govern- TRANSLATED INTO THE to have copper transported and subsistence farmers in the rural by buying sunflower from local generated mainly from the mining ment needs to review its tax policies CREATION OF JOBS people leaving alone the line of areas are considered as the work- farmers which will improve the sector, which contributed 11 on the mines because copper is the rail. The expansion of Zambia ing poor because they are living on standards of living for the farmers percent (US$590million) of real GDP major source of revenue. Govern- railways will lead to the employ- less than a dollar a day. Govern- and create more employment for in 2010 and is expected to grow to ment should encourage the survey ment of technicians, engineers, ment must encourage the out more farming producing sunflower US$1.35billion in 2015. Mining is a and exploration of minerals to be drivers of trains and contractors will grower scheme that encourages on a large scale. The companies crucial part of the economy but done by Zambians as this will make also be employed to help with the companies and firms that are can also teach the farmers how to Zambia owns none of the mines it easy to know what exactly is construction works. With the use of involved in value addition and farm effectively in order for them to that make this money, relying only being mined and to what grade it is this cheap mode of transport, agriculture produce to buy from the increase production capacity and on taxes and mineral royalties which before calling on investors, hence, goods and machinery for firms will subsistence farmers which will increase their incomes. are low as things stand and have creating jobs for surveyors. be cheaper to buy for local Zambi- increase their income and improve always been a bone of contention ans and export to other countries. their livelihood as these farmers will Government should also increase between government and the Value addition of copper should be encouraged in the country as this increase their productivity. Zambia taxes on agricultural imports that mines. The agriculture sector has the high- sugar plc is an example of a com- can be produced in the country. will boost the industrial and manu- est potential to generate huge pany that encourages the out This will lessen the imports of prod- Mines generate approximately facturing sectors. Copper products revenue in the country. This sector grower scheme, encouraging farm- ucts that are produced in Zambia US$2.9billion annually depending like copper rods, copper wires and employs 81percent of the working ers to grow more sugar cane and and will increase the production on the fluctuations on the London other copper products exported poor population and 43percent of in the end the company buys from capacity of commercial and metal exchange and government outside the country will generate the non working poor. This sector the small scale farmers of Maz- subsistence farmers, hence, creat- loses a lot of money because of tax more revenue in the has very few commercial farmers abuka. Other companies like the ing more jobs in the distribution, THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 69 70 marketing, accounts and econom- Northern Province, the drainages ics department. have been given to a Zambian contractor. Goods exported from the country Zambia needs to should be able to compete with As much as the foreign investors other goods on the international are doing an excellent job, joint market, therefore strict policies ventures and partnerships should nurture its SMEs should be set up on goods being be encouraged with Zambian exported. This will increase contractors. This will help Zambian demand for local products and contractors gain exposure and hence increase job creation and experience. This will create both FRANCISCA MULENGA incomes. Value addition of agricul- formal and informal jobs for the tural products has to be encour- locals. aged in Zambia to enhance the Commerce student Francisca manufacturing sector. Apart from joint ventures, subcon- Mulenga from Mulungushi By Erasmus Mweene tracts should be encouraged University is studying towards a Maize production should not just stating that for every construction career as a Chief Economist or end at mealie meal but can be done 60 percent should be given Commercial Analyst at the used to produce things like corn to foreign investors and 40percent Ministry of Finance or Ministry of flakes which can be exported to to local investors. Most of the Commerce Trade and Industry. labour market, unemployment is a other countries. The agricultural foreign investors come with their Despite Zambia experi-­ challenge and a concern that sector has the potential to increase own man power like project engi- the economic growth of the country neers leaving the informal jobs like encing high levels of needs to be addressed. Unem- ployment stands in the way of because it’s a sector that, when concrete mixing for the Zambians. VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH economic growth in efforts to eradicate poverty and expanded and products diversified But with joint ventures, subcontracts ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF reduce inequality. It undermines the can keep on giving to the country and partnerships, the Zambian ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA recent years, this achievement of sustainable and reduce the levels of poverty. contractors can involve their own IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE growth has not been economic growth, and erodes Unlike the mining sector which is engineers, architects and project inclusive enough to generate jobs social cohesion. There is need for TRANSLATED INTO THE unstable and minerals can be engineers which will increase the for the nation’s fast growing and concerted efforts in the creation of CREATION OF JOBS depleted like Bwana Mkubwa mine exposure and experience of Zam- youthful population. jobs for many unemployed people. in Luanshya which is a thing of the bian workers. The creation of jobs is critical not past, the agricultural sector is an According to the most recent only for the achievement of a ongoing investment and has a In a nutshell, the increase in Afrobarometer Survey, unemploy- better life for all people – employ- capacity to employ a lot of people. economic growth in Zambia can ment tops the list of the most impor- ment is central even to the notion led to a lot of jobs if the policies tant problems facing the nation of human dignity, equality and Finally, another source of economic stated above can be implemented. that the government should justice. growth in the country is the Each sector has the capacity to address. With a population of 13 construction sector with infrastruc- produce more and even contribute million, 14 percent are unem- The unemployment situation in ture developments as evidence. more to real GDP percentage of ployed, that is almost one million Zambia calls for the involvement of With more hospitals and roads to the economy. The dependence on people actively looking for jobs. all stakeholders including govern- construct, Zambia is indeed a copper mining has made it difficult The unemployed comprise of ment, private sector, churches and growing economy. Most of the big to diversify the economy and people from the marginalized traditional leaders. It is a known building contracts are given to create more jobs in other sectors. groups such as the school dropout, fact that government has no foreign investors when local The World Bank, IMF, UN and other least qualified, physically capacity to employ everyone in the contractors have the capacity to organizations need to advise challenged, women and youth. country, but it has the potential to do a good job as well. The current government on which sectors to create an enabling environment ongoing road development in all improve when giving them funding Considering the fact that over for job creation opportunities. The provinces is being done by foreign or loans. 300,000 young people leave government should create an investors and in provinces like higher education to enter the investment-friendly climate to THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 71 72 and small businesses. The government should develop purpose, that way we can ensure the attitude and skills of entrepre- that all Zambians can enjoy the Picture Sources: hiddebeekman - flickr It is important to note that through neurship in realizing this sector is dignity, fulfillment and opportunity innovation, SMEs address not only meant for job creation but that comes with work. challenges affecting communities also for national economic growth. through their business activities This can be done through the which are largely in training, manu- establishment of entrepreneurship facturing and service provision. training hubs. The hubs can exist to Manufactured products for small train people in business start-up and medium enterprises include and management skills. The people textile products, wood products, can be trained through attract domestic and foreign inves- enable the enterprises to increase of bottlenecks, including serious light engineering and metal fabri- programmes like the International tors whose interest supports labour the value of products and services undercapitalisation with difficulty in cation, food processing, leather Labor Organization (ILO)’s Start intensive technology industries. they produce. The government gaining access to bank credits and products, handicrafts and ceramic. and Improve Your Business (SIYB), a should work to enhance both its other financial markets; lack of The service sector includes consul- management-training programme A study by the International Labour financial and technical support to government interest in and support tancy, restaurants, hair salons and with a focus on starting and Organization (ILO) and the German the SME sector. However, the devel- for roles that SMEs play in national barbershops, passenger and improving small businesses as a Agency for International Coopera- opment of this sector will require economic development and com- goods transport and cleaning strategy for creating more and tion (GIZ) shows that Small and more than that. There needs to be petitiveness. A lot of these SMEs services. The trading sector would better employment. Medium Enterprises (SMEs) provide far greater collaboration between struggle to get contracts from the be concentrated in consumable two-thirds of all formal jobs in the government, the private sector government and corporations, who products, industrial products, The business management training ERASMUS MWEENE developing countries in Africa, Asia and financial institutions in support- tend to prefer larger, established agricultural inputs and produce. can last for three months after and Latin America, and 80 percent ing SMEs. businesses. which the trained people can be Erasmus Mweene is a Social in low income countries, mainly in Secondly, government can also put in groups. Each group would Work and Development Sub-Saharan Africa. With crucial The government has a direct role to Zambia’s significant economic address unemployment by promot- set up a microenterprise and then student from the University of help from the government, SMEs play in reducing the regulatory development situation presents ing entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur- identify a business venture through Africa. Upon graduation, can create thousands of jobs in burden on SMEs. Many small opportunities which can lead to the ship presents great opportunities which it could invest in. Erasmus wants to work in social Zambia. businesses cite the cost of compli- establishment of vibrant enterprises. not only for individuals but society justice and development with ance with business and labour The government needs to recog- as a whole because it significantly The government can partner with the aim of improving people’s Firstly, government can ensure crea- regulations as a key hindrance to nize the significant roles that SMEs contributes to poverty reduction already established microfinance quality of life. tion of jobs by adopting policies their growth. Other countries have play in an economy. Small and and the nation’s economic growth. organizations like FINCA to give and fairly implement these policies demonstrated that it is possible to medium enterprises provide In addition, entrepreneurship is a financial support in form of startup to sustain SMEs that can create significantly reduce these costs and sustainable economic growth key tool to develop the human loans to enable these microenter- jobs. The government should make the regulatory requirements through job creation, development capital necessary for the future, and prises initiate business ventures in support the implementation of less onerous without completely of entrepreneurial skills and the promotion of sustainable growth. areas such as training, simple labour intensive business ventures exempting small businesses from potential to contribute significantly The government should play a role manufacturing, and service provi- as well as sustain financing of exist- necessary regulations. to export earnings. in addressing unemployment by sion. ing small businesses in order to incentivizing the training of youth; promote their expansion and There is need to significantly In many countries in Africa, SMEs encourage job creation; support In conclusion, we need to concen- growth. The expansion and growth improve efforts to support and are seen as key players in transition young entrepreneurs because new trate our efforts on job creation by of these businesses will result in the facilitate the growth of SMEs. Both and developing countries because jobs are created by high impact, taking responsibility to contribute in demand for more labour meaning the government and the private they are not just job creators, they high growth entrepreneurs and every way we can to curb the more creation of jobs. sector have a role to play in also create wealth. SMEs are start-ups. Government should problem of unemployment. We improving market access for small crucial to a successful enterprise ensure that it supports and fosters need to encourage the spirit of To make the enterprises successful, and medium enterprises. At present, economy and they are fully commit- self-employment amongst people enterprise among young people government should reduce the SMEs in Zambia experience a lot of ted to stimulating the creation, because entrepreneurship helps and the general populous. We costs of running business. This will problems. There are a number competitiveness and growth of new people earn a living. need to act together in a common THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 73 74 “Don’t knock, kulibe nchito” By Paul Mboshya III undergraduate would think that through the Statutory Instruments most businesses obtain their capi- employers have enough employ- Instruments 45 and 46 of 2012, tal outside the country and that ees haunts them. It all comes to the effective 4th July 2012. such restraints negatively affect the along major transport corridors. hopeless assertion of no jobs in the provision of human capital; hence Normally, for most country. Hazele adds that, “Jobs are a result less jobs. Zambians the issue of It therefore, would not be surprising Economists have time and again of growth of businesses.” He also says that hiking the minimum wage In many cases, the aspect of for one to think of the ‘why-factor’; having more good why Zambia is not as populated argued that Zambia’s economy negatively impacts on businesses change agitates and sometimes would have the ability to create irks most Zambians. Zambia went VIEWS FROM ZAMBIAN YOUTH paying jobs is hopeless as the UK but has fewer jobs. It is more well paying jobs only if the as the cost of production increases, further inducing job losses in order to the polls on the 20th September estimated that Zambia has a 7.3 ON HOW THE HIGH LEVELS OF and non-­existent;; well, co- per cent economic growth rate; Government reconsiders certain for employers to maintain or 2011 and little did they know that ECONOMIC GROWTH ZAMBIA nsidering Zambia’s 7.3 percent fiscal and economic policies. Policy increase profits. the party they elected would why is the said growth rate not IS EXPERIENCING CAN BE inflation rate at least. However, this Analysis Manager at the Employers accommodate rampant being felt as inclusive enough, or TRANSLATED INTO THE may not be true. perhaps why it is certain that one Association of Zambia (EAZ), Hilary Another issue Hazele labels as by-elections. In June 2013, Forum CREATION OF JOBS would drive through Lusaka’s Chilala Hazele explains that hindering Job Creation despite for Democracy and Development Zambia’s Central Statistical Office’s major streets and meet youths policies like the Minimum Wage Zambia’s economic growth is the Spokesperson, Antonio Mwanza January Monthly Bulletin observes dressed in overalls loitering with have been detrimental to Zambia’s Statutory Instrument (SI) number 55 quoted the Electoral Commission that Zambia’s population is huge brown envelops looking for employment rate. (Bank of Zambia Monitoring of of Zambia that the country spends 13,092,666 as of 2010’s Census. jobs at factories as casual workers. Balance of Payments Regulations, at least a minimum of K5billion This is approximately 20.6% of UK’s People with the ‘why-factor’ also Renowned International Trade 2013) which empowers the Bank of (un-rebased) per by-election. The population whose unemployment ask why homes in Lusaka have author, M.L. Jhingan defines a Zambia to put in place the balance country has hosted over ten rate is currently at 7.1 per cent. The notices saying “don’t knock, Kulibe wage as a payment for a service of of payments monitoring framework. by-elections since 2011. In addi- latest Zambia Economic Brief by the nchito” [translation from Nyanja to labour, whether mental or physical. Stakeholders to implement this SI tion to this, the PF-led government World Bank however estimates that English: No Jobs]. They may also In Zambia, the Minimum Wages are financial service providers, as shown in 2014’s National Zambia’s urban unemployment ask why smartly dressed youths are and Conditions of Employment Act Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Budget Speech allocated rate is 19.6 per cent bearing in stinking of sweat, with dusty shoes Cap 276 defines the minimum Zambia Development Agency K44.2million (rebased) to the Con- mind that most of Zambia’s and dry lips, on a weekday walk- wage as the lowest wage which (ZDA), exporters, importers, foreign stitution Making Process, of which population lives either in cities or ing around with folders of their may be paid to an employee. The investors and any other person the Technical Committee Drafting résumés in the streets of Zambia’s Act further allows the Ministry of receiving or remitting foreign the Zambian Constitution has not cities. Even students have been Labour to set minimum wages as in currency. In short, SI 55 regulates yet released the Draft Constitution. ‘why-factored’. The question of why the case of July 2012, when how much foreign exchange Such a usage of resources is the fact that the average minimum wages were revised businesses make. He explains that contrary to the PF manifesto which THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE 75 76 The Brief in Brief: Summary which strongly castigated the It would be unfair not to acknowl- It also advises Zambia to highly Movement for Multi-party Democ- edge government’s efforts in invest in the agricultural sector, racy (MMD) for spending a sum of employment creation. This year which is the country’s major over K135billion (un-rebased) in a alone, Zambia’s President Michael employer as well as the booming failed constitution making process Sata states in his 2013 New Year’s Information Communication Tech- TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ‘BRIEF IN BRIEF’ SERIES, A HANDY VISUAL GUIDE TO called the National Constitutional address to the nation that his nology industry. THE ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF’S JOBS CHALLENGE DATA Conference (NCC). These costs government will focus on develop- would have facilitated the creation ing labour intensive industries in key of well-paying jobs. areas of agriculture, construction, manufacturing, tourism, science Correspondingly, a neutral stake- and technology through creating holder in the likes of the Zambia the Industrial Development Corpo- Episcopal Conference (ZEC) on ration (IDC), he adds that his 23rd January 2014 considered government will also bring up these frequent by-elections among Multi-facility Economic Zones thus other governance concerns as creating employment. taking the country many years backwards in terms of develop- Some critics however, disagree with ment. Logically, one would prefer the IDC idea claiming that that these funds used for Zambia’s current parastatals like by-elections be utilized in skills the ZDA and the CEEC are ‘ill’ and training and youth incentives such need reshaping. In the same vein, PAUL NGOSA MBOSHYA III as the country’s Citizens Economic experts say that the IDC could Empowerment Commission (CEEC), crowd out the private sector hence Paul Ngosa Mboshya III is the Ministry of Youth and Sports disturbing the economic landscape pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree Youth Development Fund, ZDA and mostly because of political interfer- in Mass Communication at the the Development Bank of Zambia ence. It would be fair to conclude University of Zambia. Paul is (DBZ). These, basically promote the that these ‘doubting-Thomases’ one of the youngest students at private sector and boost entrepre- expect the IDC to be a failure as the University and he is working neurship, a vibrant conduit for job they relate it to a conglomerate towards a career in journalism. creation and sustainable called the Industrial Development economic growth. Corporation (INDECO) which came as a result of the Mulungushi Furthermore, the issue of Reforms of April 1968 of which by government’s overspending has 1971 became one of the largest serious effects. This is usually companies in Sub-Saharan Africa caused by factors such as but, later became disadvantaged government’s stance on the Public due to government policies that Service Wage Bill, which is based copper as their major prior- projected at 52.5 per cent worth of ity. Unfortunately, copper prices World  Bank  Group tax payers revenue in 2014 and of eventually dropped in 1975. course, by-elections caused by defections through loopholes in Despite the ‘Why-Factors’ justifica- Zambia’s laws. Economists claim tions, Zambia’s economy can that this has the potential of limiting create jobs. EAZ advises that funds in the country’s reserves government expenditure must be hence reducing chances of job limited and has to engage itself in creation. wide policy consultations. This is a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Country Office in Lusaka. All the above data can be found in the second edition of the Zambia Economic Brief entitled “Zambia’s Jobs Challenge: Realities on the Ground”. The full study as well as previous economic briefs can be found at THINK JOBS | ZAMBIA’S JOBS CHALLENGE www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia Back Picture Source: Musa Mwamutanda - WAY ADS The ‘Think Jobs: The Youth Respond’ Magazine is part of a nationwide ‘Think Jobs’ competition and features home-grown Zambian responses to the facts and figures shared in the World Bank’s Zambia Economic Brief. The featured writers comprise of students from across Zambia who were competitively selected as part of the ‘Think Jobs’ writing competition. The Magazine has been compiled by the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank Office in Lusaka. Funding for this project was provided by the World Bank, as part of their broader aim to facilitate public debate on issues of develop- ment. The World Bank project team included Ms Kundhavi Kadiresan, Ms Kate Bridges, Ms Victoria Cabral, Ms Hellen Mungaila, Ms Ngao Mubanga, Mr Mupuwaliya Mupuwaliya, Mr Praveen Kumar, Mr Asumani Guloba and Mr Jumbe Ngoma. Thanks go to media consultant and trainer, Mr Edem Djokotoe, for expertly training the students and providing mentorship as they completed their assignments. Thanks also to the many academic institutions whose support was essential in enabling these students both to attend the training and to complete their final assignments. And finally, our heartfelt appreciation goes to the many students who took part in this program, demonstrating that a desire for engaged, public discussion and debate is very much alive amongst Zambia’s youth. ZAMBIA ECONOMIC BRIEF GET YOUR FREE COPY AT THE ADDRESS BELOW: The World Bank Group Lusaka Country Office 2nd Floor, Bank ABC House 746 Church Road, P.O. Box 35410 Lusaka Tel: +260 211 373200 +260 211 373217 Fax +260 211 373248 www.worldbank.org/zambia