Zambia Prioritises Skills Development to Drive Economic Growth and Employment
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, has emphasised that skills development is a strategic pillar for driving national economic growth, trade competitiveness, and employment creation.
Speaking during a joint engagement between the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and Sector Skills Bodies, Ms Tambatamba highlighted the need to equip Zambians with the skills required to seize emerging opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining, and energy under the Eighth National Development Plan.
“Skills development is more than a matter of education; it is a strategic pillar for driving national economic growth, trade competitiveness, and inclusive employment,” she said. “Skills are the bridge between education and employment, industry needs and workforce capabilities, and ultimately, between poverty and opportunity.”
Ms Tambatamba stressed that technological change, globalisation, and climate dynamics are reshaping business models, making it critical for Zambia’s workforce, particularly the youth, to adapt to evolving labour market demands.
She linked human capital development to Zambia’s ambitious growth targets, including three million metric tonnes of copper production by 2031, US$1 billion in annual beef exports by 2030, 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2027, and attracting three million tourists by 2025.
“Given the scale of our ambitions, we had to redesign the labour market architecture to ensure economic development translates into real job creation,” Ms Tambatamba said.
Permanent Secretary for Labour and Social Security, Zechariah Luhanga, noted that the high-level engagement marked an important step towards building a resilient and inclusive labour market, while International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Wellington Chibebe praised Zambia’s focus on aligning training systems with labour market needs.
The Government has taken measures to strengthen the link between education and employment, including reviewing the national curriculum to promote practical skills, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. It is also advancing the Work-Based Learning Bill, which seeks to institutionalise apprenticeships and provide structured pathways for youth employment. Once enacted, the legislation will ensure that individuals not only receive training but also gain practical, hands-on experience.
