We will create 1 milion jobs – Lungu

“In the next five years, my government will through the IDC target to create a total of one million jobs in the growth areas of manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and information and communications technology (ict) in line with the pf’s manifesto pledge on industrialization ,” Lungu said.

Lungu said this when he officially opened the 1st session of the 12th National Assembly.

“Furthermore within the next 5 – 10 years, state owned enterprises are to be listed on the Lusaka stock exchange so as to ensure broader citizen economic empowerment,”

“As part of our industrialisation and job creation agenda, mining will continue to play a key role in our economic growth and diversification to maximise benefits from this sector,” he said.

And Lungu has reaffirmed government earlier decision that permanent Secretaries will introduce  performance based contracts.

The President has also announced that his government will concentrate on youths developmental skills and will continue infrastructure development.

“I am glad to inform this August house that Permanent Secretaries are now on Performance based contracts with clearly defined targets,” Lungu said amid ululations from PF MPs.

Lungu says this move would result into high performance among Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials as there jobs are dependent on their performance.

Lungu also announced that this programme would be rolled out to the rest of the public service.

Meanwhile Lungu said  development can never take place  without the recognition of the huge section the society whom are the youths.

“The youths have been predominantly overlooked. For a long time we have assumed that children should only be seen and not heard…we need to rethink our assumptions.

“We do not inherit our country from our forefathers or ancestors we borrow it from our children.Our youths needs to be empowered and engaged at all levels of Zambia’s development aagend,” Lungu said.

He said the youth needed to be included in participation of the national economy as entrepreneurs.

And Lungu has promised that during his tenure the youths would be involved meaningfully in the development of the country.

“They will be active participants with a valuable voice and opinion in the decision making process. Including participation in policy direction,” he said.

Lungu says his administration wants to hand over the country to youths who would be well equipped to further take the country to forward.

Earlier, the President arrived at Parliament buildings at exactly 10:25hrs and was received by service chiefs and other senior Parliament staff.

Lungu proceeded to inspect a guard of honor and thereafter witnessed the fly past by the Zambia Air Force.

The president proceeded to Parliament where he addressed the August house and only concluded his address at 12:00 hours.