Govt Urges Collaboration with Manufacturing Sector to Reduce Business Costs
Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has called for increased collaboration between the Zambian government and the manufacturing sector to address challenges such as high shipping costs and reliance on imported raw materials, which drive up production costs.
In a speech delivered by Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu at the Skills Conference in Lusaka, Mr. Mutati highlighted the critical role of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers in advocating for policies that foster business growth and develop essential skills within the sector.
He emphasized the government’s vision of creating a resilient and competitive manufacturing sector that significantly contributes to job creation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Building a resilient and competitive manufacturing sector is crucial for our economic development,” said Mr. Mutati. “We need strong collaboration between the government and the private sector to lower production costs and enhance our competitiveness.”
Mr. Mutati also announced that Zambia will host the WorldSkills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025, where youths from across the continent will compete in 21 skills categories.
This event is part of the government’s efforts to advance technical and vocational education, thereby improving workforce employability and competitiveness.
“The WorldSkills Africa Competition is among the initiatives we are using to catalyze the development of our technical and vocational systems,” he stated. “It will play a crucial role in enhancing the employability and competitiveness of our workforce.”
Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Director General Cleophas Takaiza reiterated the authority’s commitment to addressing skills gaps in the manufacturing sector through various initiatives aimed at improving the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TEVET).
“Partnerships with industry are essential to meet emerging skills gaps,” said Mr. Takaiza. “Our collaboration with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers and the Production Technologies Association of South Africa has led to the development of a curriculum in Tool, Dye, and Mould, a vital skill for the sector’s productivity and efficiency.”
Zambia Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer Muntanga Lindunda underscored the importance of developing a skilled workforce to achieve the country’s long-term economic goals.
“A skilled workforce is essential for transforming Zambia and achieving our long-term goals,” said Mr. Lindunda. “We need to focus on developing the skills necessary to drive productivity and innovation in the manufacturing sector.”
