Hakainde Hichilema Outlines Vision for Skills Development and Decent Jobs at National Summit
President Hakainde Hichilema reiterated his government’s commitment to bridging skills gaps and fostering job creation, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba during the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit.
The President described the summit as pivotal for addressing Zambia’s economic challenges through skills development and productivity enhancement.
He emphasized linking job seekers with employers, locally and globally, through internships and apprenticeships, while prioritizing technical and vocational education (TVET) and STEM disciplines to equip the workforce for modern economic demands.
Highlighting Zambia’s surplus of skilled labor, especially in education and health, he advocated for labor exportation to reduce unemployment and strengthen the country’s global influence.
Hichilema outlined government initiatives, including the Zambia National Service Skills Development Program and expanded ICT access to equip citizens with digital and entrepreneurial skills. Key sectors targeted for sustainable job creation include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and IT.
The President called for stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and educational institutions, urging stakeholders to translate summit discussions into actionable strategies that ensure inclusive economic transformation.
“Let us work together to empower citizens, boost productivity, and ensure no one is left behind in our development journey,” concluded President Hichilema.
The summit also spotlighted achievements in free education, classroom infrastructure, and collaborations with private entities to broaden training opportunities.
