Zambia’s energy sector revolution: Private sector drives skills strategy for green innovation and job creation

Zambia's energy sector revolution: Private sector drives skills strategy for green innovation and job creation

LUSAKA (ILO News) - Energy sector skills strategy development has taken shape in Zambia with active participation of the private sector, the government and workers, as well as employers' organizations at a workshop organized by European Union (EU) funded International Labour Organization's Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP) in Kitwe.

20 November 2024

Officiating at the occasion, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr Brilliant Habeenzu said a robust skills strategy for the energy sector would help accelerate economic diversification, foster green energy innovations and create job opportunities for Zambians.

Dr Habeenzu explained that over reliance on hydroelectricity and limited use of greener energy sources has led to the energy challenges in the country.

"The energy sector is a cornerstone of Zambia's socio-economic development. It powers industries, supports agriculture, and sustains households. However, the challenges we face in this sector is climate variability, over reliance on hydroelectricity and limited use of greener energy sources," said Dr Habeenzu in a speech read by Acting Director Department of Vocational Education and Training, Ms. Precious Lisulo at a three-day workshop held at Kitwe's Garden Court Hotel.

Meanwhile, ILO Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Mr Wellington Chibebe expressed ILO's commitment towards supporting the implementation of Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) through skills development for the benefit of Zambians.

Mr Chibebe said it was gratifying that Zambia's Vision 2030 recognize Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) as an integral part of the education and skills development sub-sector and its contribution to economic development.

"The workshop will validate the energy sector background study and development of the skills strategy for the energy sector. This, we believe will help narrow the skills mismatch between skills demand and supply and unlock sustainable business development initiatives, especially for the youth," said Mr Chibebe.

And EU Delegation to Zambia Senior Programme Manager- Private Sector Development Ms Paola Gosparini expressed satisfaction over the active participation of the private sector in the energy sector skills development process.

Ms Gosparini added that there was need for private sector involvement in addressing the energy crisis facing the country.

Meanwhile, National Energy Sector and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (NESAWU) Secretary General Mr Clark Siankulu called on the government to equip workers with the right skills as it is imperative for driving Zambia's economic diversification and achieving a sustainable future.

And Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) Executive Director Mr Harrington Chibanda called on the government to formulate policies aimed at narrowing the skills gaps in the energy sector.