Vice President Mutale Nalumango says skills development is one of the key requirements in driving and unlocking the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

Mrs Nalumango stated the reason why the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote skills development in the country.

Speaking at the Worldskills Africa Livingstone 2025 fundraising luncheon in Lusaka, Mrs Nalumango stated that investing in skills development can help address some of the challenges that Zambia is facing, such as unemployment and poverty.

Mrs Nalumango said that hosting the worldskills Africa competition in Livingstone in 2025, is a great opportunity for Zambia to showcase its skills and talents, as well as to learn from other countries in the region.

“As we implement our economic development agenda, we recognise the critical role that skills development plays in driving economic growth and prosperity,” Mrs Nalumango said.

She commended Worldskills Zambia for promoting skills development in the country, stating that their efforts are helping to equip the young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and to become productive citizens.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati called for partnerships with various stakeholders in an effort to bridge the skills gap.

Mr Mutati highlighted what he termed the building blocks to close the skills gap, including access to skills, infrastructure, equipment and tools, quality teaching and working with the private sector to deliver a curriculum that speaks to the needs and demands of the private industry

The Minister disclosed that through working with the private sector, in the last three years, there has been an additional of 77 skills centres in the country bringing the total to 135   

Meanwhile, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu described worldskills competition as a complementary factor to accelerate a shift in the skills ecosystem and how skills training will be delivered in Zambia.

Dr Habeenzu said that leveraging on the Constituency Development Fund, his Ministry is pushing for youth empowerment and job creation.

World Skills Africa Livingstone 2025 Project Manager, Precious Lisulo explained that skills competitions will be used as a path-way for learners in TEVET institutions to have easy access to industries and be their own employers.

TEVET Board Chair, Nkwabilo Chibesakunda said that this being the first time that Zambia and Africa will host the competition, should make sure that it is successful.