26/08/2026
GOVT HANDS OVER 100 FUEL TANKERS TO YOUTH COOPERATIVES
By Kangwa Chanda
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has received 100 fuel tankers back from oil marketing companies, clearing the way for their handover to 100 youth cooperatives nationwide.
The tankers, procured from Kinglong Motors Zambia Limited on a hire purchase basis in 2020, were part of the Fuel Tanker Empowerment Programme aimed at reducing youth unemployment and increasing Zambian participation in the petroleum sector.
Speaking at the ceremony in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Youth and Sport Kangwa Chileshe admitted the process had taken longer than expected but said government remained committed to seeing it through.
“The delays must not overshadow the bigger picture: a vision conceived to empower young Zambians is now moving towards its intended conclusion,” he said.
The programme was rolled out in two phases. Fifty tankers arrived in 2021 and another 50 in 2022. The fleet was managed by eight oil marketing companies, which made monthly remittances to service the loan.
Mr. Chileshe said the tankers are “productive assets” meant to help youth build sustainable businesses and create jobs. The project officially concluded in June 2026.
Kinglong Motors Zambia General Manager Mr. Wu Chunming commended the partnership, saying the handover proves what government and private sector can achieve together.
“We believe these trucks are instruments of economic empowerment. They have the potential to create businesses, generate income and improve livelihoods,” he said.
Kinglong also proposed future collaboration on solar lighting for stadiums to support sports development. The Ministry said it will now finalize modalities to transfer the tankers directly to beneficiary cooperatives.
