By 
The Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) has called for the urgent strengthening of industry-driven skills development to help Zambia respond effectively to global economic shifts and technological changes transforming the world of work.
ZFE president, Myra Ngoma, said industry demand–driven training was essential to align education systems with real economic needs.
Ngoma made the remarks during the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (CLC) meeting held on Monday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
The meeting brought together representatives from government, employers, and the labour movement to deliberate on key labour issues, including the declaration of essential workers, the proliferation of trade unions, a critical skills list for key sectors, and the national apprenticeship plan.
“We are challenged to create more jobs, improve productivity, and ensure that our workforce remains skilled and competent for a modern, diversified economy,” she said.
Ngoma added that Zambia also had opportunities to innovate and make its enterprises globally competitive.
Similarly, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Blake Mulala raised concern over the growing cases of worker abuse and mistreatment in the private sector, particularly in the hospitality industry.
He cited reports of verbal abuse and intimidation at two named resorts as an example, urging the Ministry of Labour to investigate and ensure that workers’ dignity was protected.
“There is need for fairness, respect, and adherence to labour rights, and decent treatment in the workplace which is essential for sustaining productivity, industrial harmony, and national development,” Mulala stated.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba said the government had prioritised skills development as a key driver of economic transformation.
Tambatamba announced that government would implement targeted training and apprenticeship programmes in key economic sectors to close Zambia’s skills gap and boost productivity.
“The 12-month pilot apprenticeship programme earmarked for January 2026 is part of a broader national strategy under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) to equip the Zambian workforce with industry-ready skills and allow them to participate in the country’s economic transformation agenda,” she said.
She added that the pilot would bridge existing skills gaps, demonstrate the viability of apprenticeships, enhance employability, and provide lessons for scaling up and attracting sustainable financing from both government and the private sector.
“Through the Skills Advisory Committee, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union (EU), government has identified critical skills needed to drive growth in key economic sectors — agriculture, mining, tourism and energy — to enhance productivity and foster employment creation,” Tambatamba said.
She further revealed that government was proposing to designate air traffic controllers, aviation security personnel, and Electoral Commission of Zambia staff as essential workers to safeguard peace, democracy, and the smooth running of the economy.
Read More: MORETA urges trade unions to unite under ZCTU for stronger labour movement
On the proliferation of trade unions, Tambatamba disclosed that a draft Statutory Instrument on the matter had been developed following extensive consultations and would be presented for further discussion.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering social dialogue, recalling President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks during the opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly in September.
Tambatamba also commended the labour movement and employers for maintaining industrial peace, which she described as the bedrock of national growth.
Meanwhile, ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Wellington Chibebe urged stakeholders to invest in skills development and workplace innovation to prepare the workforce for the rapidly changing world of work.
He noted that the future of Zambia’s economy depended on how well government and employers aligned their efforts to equip citizens with relevant, modern skills.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments