Mutati Urges Tech-Driven Innovation and Skills Development to Spur Economic Growth
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati MP, has called on institutions under his Ministry to step up their efforts in delivering technological solutions, innovation, and practical skills that align with Zambia’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Speaking during the Ministry’s first quarterly review meeting of 2025 held at the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) offices, Mr. Mutati challenged departments and training institutions to abandon outdated manual processes in favour of technology-driven operations that foster development, efficiency, and entrepreneurship.
“We are a tech ministry. We cannot continue with manual and paper processes. Our buildings, business models, and ways of doing business should be technologically driven,” the Minister stated, urging TEVET institutions to demonstrate their relevance by offering practical solutions to job and wealth creation.
He emphasized the need to accelerate local manufacturing of school desks and furniture, citing the government’s policy to end desk imports. “Our TEVET institutions should not be asking for furniture funding when they have carpentry and welding workshops. They must use those workshops and human resources for both training and production,” said Mr. Mutati.
He further called for curriculum alignment with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), noting that TEVETA must assess industry skills demand to ensure training leads to a competitive and competent workforce.
“We are constructing new trades training institutes to increase access to skills, transform lives, and empower citizens with practical and entrepreneurial abilities. We expect a TEVET system that produces job creators, not just job seekers,” the Minister stressed.
Highlighting the Ministry’s cross-cutting role in national development, Mr. Mutati emphasized the importance of results-driven leadership, stating that quarterly reviews should reflect progress and accountability. “If you didn’t perform well in the last quarter, admit it and plan to do better,” he added.
Institutions under the Ministry include TEVETA, ZICTA, ZamPost, National Science and Technology Council, National Technology Business Centre, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, and 30 trades training institutes.
Hon. Mutati reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to driving digital transformation, youth empowerment, and community-based innovation as Zambia pushes toward sustainable economic growth through technology and skills development.
