Mbabane: Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) youth to actively participate in nation-building and socio-economic activities.
He was speaking at the official closing of the SADC Youth Cooperatives Summit at Esibayeni Lodge this afternoon.
The Premier said, “The time has come for all of us to start paying great attention to the cooperative movement, as it is one of the various ways in which countries can help develop and improve their communities. Cooperatives are by their nature businesses. They require commitment, dedication, and nurturing in order for them to play a meaningful role in the promotion of self-sustenance, and job creation in the process.”
The PM continued, “I would like to urge the youth in the cooperatives movement to make full use of technology for creativity, innovation, and ease of doing business. You need to invest more time in diversification and entrepreneurial activities in order to ensure the sustainability of the cooperative movement.”
He added, “It is up to you, the youth, to develop competent and vibrant youth co-operatives that will remain standing even for generations to come. Go back to your respective countries and apply all the skills, knowledge, and information you acquired during this summit.”
Dlamini further disclosed that theirs as the government is to advocate for free trade zones for youth cooperatives in the region while ensuring that they availed funding opportunities for Youth Cooperatives Businesses.
The theme of this year’s summit was “Rebuilding a Future Together, Leaving No Young Person Behind.”
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