also be key in raising public awareness on the need for continuous innovation among our youths. as you are aware, the engine of the fast growing economies such as china and india is the innovation and creativity of the young entrepreneurs in those economies. it is incumbent upon us therefore to also encourage our youths to take up their rightful place and contribute to the country ’ s development. furthermore, banks and financial institutions in zambia have in the past lamented the low levels of banking and economic knowledge among graduates from tertiary institutions as well as the borrowing public in general. it is therefore gratifying to note that this evening, we celebrate and showcase the depth of the entrepreneurial talent that is flourishing in our schools of higher learning. it is also heartening to see these young men and women putting up high quality business proposals of a diverse range of projects. this speaks well for the inventiveness of our learning institutions and is a very welcome development indeed. ladies and gentlemen, this initiative represents a major milestone in developing linkages between the industry and tertiary institutions which is key in bridging the gap between expectations of employers and those of the labour force. it is also testimony that we have financial institutions and business entities that are willing and committed to promoting private entrepreneurship among young people in our country at the level of start - up businesses. once again, i commend the sponsors and their partners for this important initiative. i am certain that your efforts will go a long way in contributing to the building of an entrepreneurial society in zambia. this is a task not only for you but for everybody. i wish to urge in particular, the education system in zambia to enhance their efforts in promoting positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship in the institutions of higher learning. i further call on the media to play its rightful role in educating the masses and the youth in particular on the importance of entrepreneurship and indeed to give more coverage to zambians who have succeeded in entrepreneurship in order for our youths to be motivated. i also wish to urge other banks and financial institutions to emulate intermarket banking corporation to develop such well meaning initiatives for this is indeed good corporate social responsibility. i am sure that there are a number of entrepreneurs all over zambia who are in dire need of that seed capital as well as the initial push to realize their dreams. i have in mind here the very innovative entrepreneurs in mutendere, kalingalinga, garden compound, mandevu and several other industrial clusters in our country who are trying to do their best but

will benefit both the bank and its customers. this outcome is however, predicted on customers using the card wisely and responsibly and on the bank issuing cards to clients after a careful vetting and scrutiny and charging fair interest on the product. failure to choose creditworthy customers will lead to defaults which may trigger excessive charges. allow me again to congratulate the board, management and staff of access bank zambia limited on this important initiative. i thank you! bis central bankers ’ speeches