Education Must Translate into Tangible Progress, Says Economic Expert
Economic expert Kelvin Chisanga has called for a fundamental shift in Zambia’s education system, urging stakeholders to move beyond traditional academic milestones and focus on practical, results-driven learning that directly contributes to national development.
Mr. Chisanga observed that while Zambia has made significant progress in producing a more educated population, the country must now prioritize applying that knowledge to real-world challenges.
“Education should bring tangible results and foster practical realities to challenges,” he emphasized.
Mr. Chisanga stressed that education must empower citizens not just to seek jobs, but to solve problems within their communities and industries. He called for the education sector to prioritize entrepreneurship, innovation, technical skills, and civic engagement.
“We need to uplift entrepreneurship and foster innovation, so that education becomes a catalyst for economic transformation,” he stated.
According to Mr. Chisanga, this shift is necessary for Zambia to fully leverage its human capital and unlock new avenues for growth. He warned that an overemphasis on academic degrees, without corresponding societal impact, limits the transformative power of education.
“The value of education lies in its impact, not just in acquiring multiple decorated degrees,” he said.
He added that civic literacy and community participation must be embedded within the learning process to produce informed citizens who are active contributors to democratic and development processes. This, he noted, is vital for shaping a resilient, future-ready nation.
