The first-ever Capacity Building Programme for lecturers and trainers under WorldSkills Africa (WSA) has commenced at Lusaka Business and Technical College (LBTC) with support from WorldSkills International and partners.

The Capacity Building Programme is aimed at improving practical assessments using WorldSkills International Assessment Projects. The Programme is funded by the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) programme of GiZ through under the African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD).

Speaking during the programme kick off, TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza commended the WorldSkills International, GiZ, and AU-NEPAD for their collaboration and support the capacity building programme in the country.

He said the support and partnership was crucial to growing the membership and capacity of WSA. “Although the WSA skills competitions were postponed, we are determined to maintain momentum. I am confident that this initiative will equip participants with valuable skills, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen our collective capacity.”

The Capacity Building Programme involves experts from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The programme is in Plumbing and Pipefitting and Hairdressing. Assessment toolkits are being developed for competency-based assessments in the TEVET sector.  

The GiZ through  Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) has contributed meaningfully to the African Union’s Year of Education theme through initiatives like the awarding of €12,518,550 in grants to 20 project implementers. These grants in eight pilot countries to implement transformative projects. 

These initiatives, aimed at strengthening occupational prospects for young people, are already achieving significant milestones in addressing critical skills gaps and enhancing opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.