Banks challenged to help youths access loan facilities

The call comes against the background of the failure by youths to access loans as banks required collateral which most cannot meet.

Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere implored banks to offer loan facilities to youths without stringent requirements to ensure youth empowerment succeeded.

“We want to see banks removing the barriers to accessing credit facilities,” he said.

“Barclays, Stanbic, MBCA, Standard Chartered Bank, among others, should set aside certain percentages that will cater for the empowerment projects in which youths are involved in,” he said.

Minister Kasukuwere said the banking sector, like any other business, had an obligation to support projects led by youths.

“They should embrace the community share ownership and the employee share schemes which render developmental support to areas they operate from,” he said.

He challenged youths to come together and speak with one voice to advance their empowerment agenda.

“Youths across the political divide should organise themselves and come up with a solid stance that will see them recognised. I as their minister will support them in their endeavours,” he said. — New Ziana.