Zambia’s TVET Sector Faces Digital Skills Gaps Despite Progress, Study Finds
Zambia’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector is making strides in digital readiness, but significant gaps in infrastructure and skills continue to limit its ability to fully prepare young people for a rapidly evolving job market, a new study by the World Bank has found.
The report, titled Digital Readiness, Real Skills: Lessons from Zambia’s TVET Sector, highlights the growing importance of digital skills in enhancing employability and productivity, particularly among the country’s youthful population.
According to the findings, while Zambia has made progress in expanding internet connectivity and setting standards for device use in training institutions, many TVET centres still face practical challenges. More than half of institutions reported unreliable electricity supply, while at least one-third lacked adequate digital devices for teaching and learning.
The study also revealed that although a national digital competency framework exists, its implementation across TVET institutions remains limited. Most institutions do not provide structured digital skills training for instructors, and where training exists, it focuses largely on basic competencies.
Assessments conducted among teachers and students showed low levels of digital proficiency. Teachers were generally able to perform basic tasks but struggled with more practical functions such as file management, online research and handling email attachments. Students performed at even lower levels, with skills largely confined to everyday smartphone use.
The report further found that awareness of online safety and data protection among students remains limited, raising concerns about preparedness for increasingly digital workplaces.
Researchers noted that digital transformation is advancing faster than education systems can adapt, with even traditionally low-tech jobs now requiring some level of digital competence.
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledged Zambia’s progress in building a foundation for a digital economy through policy frameworks and infrastructure investments. However, it stressed that infrastructure alone is not sufficient to drive meaningful transformation.
“Turning momentum into change requires coordinated action,” the report noted, calling for stronger integration of digital skills into curricula, improved teacher training, and continued investment in reliable electricity, internet access and devices.
The findings are expected to inform ongoing initiatives such as the Zambia Skills Training for Resilience and Industry Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project, which aims to align digital skills development with industry needs.
Experts say addressing these gaps will be critical in ensuring that Zambia’s young people are equipped with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital and technology-driven global economy.
