The Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, has urged institutions under his Ministry to provide technological solutions through innovation and relevant skills for economic transformation. 

“We are a tech ministry. We cannot continue with manual and paper processes. Our buildings, our business models and ways of doing business should be technologically driven. We need relevant skills from TEVET to provide practical solutions to job and wealth creation. Who will make desks if TEVET does not develop the right workforce to drive the desk agenda? I want solutions from all of you in this room.”

Speaking during the first quarter of 2025 meeting with various Ministry of Technology and Science institutions at TEVETA office, Mr. Mutati the Ministry had relevant institutions that could inspire other Ministries and organisations to develop and adopt digital solutions as part of the National Digital Transformation agenda.

He called on TEVET institutions to pick up momentum on the manufacturing of desks to fulfill policy not to import desks by localising developmental resources to help cut down the high unemployment rate in various constituencies. “Prioritise making and supply of desks and furniture in schools to improve learning environments. Our TEVET institutions should not be asking for funding for furniture when they have carpentry and welding workshops. They should use those workshops and human resources for both training production. These institutions should prove their relevance to their communities.”

He said as the provider of skills, TEVETA should promptly assess skills needs for various sectors and align curriculum to National Development Plans (NDPs) by ensuring relevant and competitive workforce.

Mr. Mutati said the Ministry was constructing new trades training institutes to increase access to skills, transform lives and empower citizens with practical and entrepreneurial skills for job and wealth. “We are looking up to a TEVET system that churns out a competent workforce that create jobs, ignite entrepreneurship among communities and stimulate socio-economic transformation.”

He added that the Ministry had the right institutions to drive digital transformation, citizen empowerment through hands-on and entrepreneurial skills and aspire innovation for youth empowerment.  “These quarterly reviews are meant to ensure we are results oriented to create an enabling environment economic transformation. Our mandate cuts across sectors. So, if you did not perform well in the last quarter, admit it and plan to do better for the rest of the year,” he added.

Institutions under the Ministry of Technology and Science include TEVETA, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Zambia Postal Services, National Science and Technology Council, National Technology Business Centre and National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research as well as 30 trades training institutes.