Government has commenced the phased handover of 100 fuel tankers received from King Long Motors Zambia Limited to 100 youth cooperatives under the Fuel Tanker Empowerment Programme, with 12,000 youths expected to benefit. Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary…

Government has commenced the phased handover of 100 fuel tankers received from King Long Motors Zambia Limited to 100 youth cooperatives under the Fuel Tanker Empowerment Programme, with 12,000 youths expected to benefit.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe said the initiative is aimed at providing young people with productive assets to create businesses, employment and contribute to national economic growth.

Mr Chileshe said the handover demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development, but become active participants, entrepreneurs and employers.

He said the Ministry settled outstanding balances owed to the supplier, King Long Motors Zambia Limited, resulting in the handover of the fuel tankers to the Ministry in August 2026.

Mr Chileshe said the handover will be conducted in phases, with the first batch comprising about 50 to 60 tankers, while the remaining tankers will be handed over once the necessary processes are completed.

Mr Chileshe has since urged beneficiary cooperatives to protect and properly maintain the tankers and ensure that they are used for their intended purpose.

He further called on the cooperatives to manage their businesses professionally, maintain proper financial records and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Mr Chileshe said the government expects the tankers to generate income, create employment, support families and contribute to the country’s economic development agenda.

Speaking in an interview after the handover ceremony, beneficiaries of the Fuel Tanker Youth Cooperatives welcomed the development and commended the government for the initiative.

Deinopark Youth Enterprises Secretary General Innocent Sunkutu assured the government that the assets will be managed prudently and used to generate income.