Govt Unveils TEVET Guidelines to Boost Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Zambian government has unveiled transformative guidelines to establish and manage entrepreneurship incubation centers and institutional enterprises within the Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) sector.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati, in a statement delivered by Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, called the launch a milestone for driving innovation, enterprise development, and economic growth.
The guidelines aim to standardize processes for managing TEVET institutional enterprises and outline steps to establish and operate incubation centers, offering frameworks to foster entrepreneurship among students and graduates. The initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which emphasizes self-reliance and leveraging opportunities for economic growth.
Minister Mutati underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Eighth National Development Plan, which prioritizes the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises as key drivers of income and job creation.
He highlighted the informal sector’s potential as a viable alternative to limited formal employment opportunities.
Dr. Habeenzu encouraged TEVET institutions to embrace and adhere to the guidelines, emphasizing their role in transitioning graduates into successful entrepreneurs who can contribute to the treasury and employ others. He also urged institutions to utilize agricultural training tools provided by the government to enhance the country’s food security.
TEVETA Board Chairperson Ngoza Nkwabilo expressed optimism about the guidelines’ ability to tackle unemployment and expand Zambia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Similarly, Precious Lisulo, the ministry’s Director of Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship, called on institutions to prioritize implementing the guidelines as benchmarks for achieving performance targets.
In collaboration with Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, GIZ, TEVETA, and other stakeholders, the guidelines reflect a commitment to equipping young people with skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.
GIZ Project Manager Anna Kristina Kanathigoda highlighted the partnership’s contribution to creating a competent training environment that prepares students for job creation and economic contribution.
