Zambia Advances National Apprenticeship Programme to Boost Youth Skills and Employment
The initiative, anchored under the Ministry of Technology and Science and supported by the European Union through the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP), is designed to connect technical training with hands-on workplace experience across key sectors.
Zambia’s efforts to strengthen youth and workforce skills are gaining traction as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, through the Skills Advisory Committee Secretariat, advances preparations for the pilot National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).
The initiative, anchored under the Ministry of Technology and Science and supported by the European Union through the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP), is designed to connect technical training with hands-on workplace experience across key sectors.
The programme aims to place 1,000 apprentices in agriculture, tourism, energy, and mining—priority sectors identified under Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). Recent nationwide engagements by the Skills Advisory Committee, alongside ILO officials and project teams, have involved employers, TVET institutions, and informal-sector master craft persons in preparation for the pilot rollout.
Interest from industry stakeholders remains strong, reflecting growing commitment to improving productivity, creating jobs, and building a more competitive workforce aligned with Zambia’s development goals.
In Central Province, Serenje District Agricultural Coordinator Mr. Katumwa Mutande confirmed that 43 commercial farmers, including the Farmers Training Centre, are prepared to host apprentices.
“This programme arrives at the right time. Farmers have long faced skills gaps, especially in agriculture.”
– Mr. Katumwa Mutande, District Agricultural Coordinator, Serenje District, Ministry of Agriculture
At Nkumbi International College, Principal Ms. Josephine Chibwe highlighted the institution’s strategic location within a major agricultural hub, noting that many local agribusinesses already employ its graduates in livestock and crop production.
In Muchinga Province, Mupika Sericulture Company, a pioneer in Zambia’s silk industry, announced plans to train 450 workers across its 470-hectare mulberry estate.
Mr. Pride Soko, Finance Manager, Mupika Sericulture Company, said the training will strengthen the silk value chain and expand opportunities in the sector.
In Northern Province, Lukashya Trades Training Institute Principal Mr. Cephas Chitasho said the NAP will enhance workplace training partnerships and ensure skills development remains aligned with industry needs.
“NAP will strengthen long-standing workplace training partnerships and ensure training remains practical and aligned to industry needs.”
– Mr. Cephas Chitasho, Principal, Lukashya Trades Training Institute
Agro-processor Kasama Sugar confirmed it will train 600 workers.
“This programme will turn informal, on-the-job learning into structured training that builds competence, confidence and long-term career growth.”
– Mr. Avarian Vedad, Managing Director, Kasama Sugar
At Lunzua Hydro Power Station in Mpulungu, ZESCO Station Manager Mr. Steward Mumba praised the initiative for improving practical skills among employees.
“This programme equips staff with skills that matter – skills that solve real problems and strengthen the company from the ground up.”
– Mr. Steward Mumba, Station Manager, ZESCO Lunzua Hydro Power Station
In the tourism sector, the Tanganyika and Abercorn Tourism Association (TATA) pledged to mobilize host enterprises across Mbala, Mpulungu, and surrounding areas.
“The programme will give young people much-needed hands-on experience in lodges, hotels and tourism operations.”
– Ms. Susan Chelemu, Vice Chairperson, Tanganyika and Abercorn Tourism Association (TATA)
In Luapula Province, Permanent Secretary Ms. Prudence Chinama Kangwa welcomed the programme’s focus on youth empowerment and its extension into the informal sector through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
ILO SDEP Chief Technical Advisor Mr. Todini Marecha emphasized the long-term vision of the programme.
“NAP is designed to build lasting capacity. By training trainers across the country, we ensure every host enterprise can deliver high quality, industry relevant skills.”
– Mr. Todini Marecha, Chief Technical Advisor, International Labour Organization (ILO)
As preparations continue, the National Apprenticeship Programme is expected to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions. With EU support, it aims to expand employment opportunities, boost productivity, and build a more skilled and competitive workforce in Zambia.
