TEVETA has signed contracts worth over K92 million to support skills training for more than 12,300 beneficiaries across the country.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, TEVETA Board Chairperson Mrs. Ngoza Chibesakunda Nkwabilo said the investment demonstrates TEVETA’s strong commitment to expanding access to skills development and contributing to national economic growth.

Mrs. Nkwabilo noted that the contracts cover four key areas of Employer-Based Training, SME and Informal Economy Training, Human Resources Development (HRD), and Pre-Employment Training.

She emphasised that the Board’s objective is to establish a comprehensive and value-added skills development system that supports effective workforce development and drives economic transformation.

Under Pre-Employment Training, TEVETA has allocated over K14 million to support Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes, which will benefit more than 180 young people. These programmes are designed to equip learners with practical, industry-relevant skills through industry placement. 

The training programmes include Bricklaying and Plastering, Fashion Design and Textile Technology, Carpentry and Joinery, as well as Plumbing and Pipefitting.

Mrs. Nkwabilo further highlighted that under Employer-Based Training, TEVETA has committed K26.78 million in the first quarter of 2026, benefiting 620 employees through up-skilling and re-skilling initiatives.

In addition, K4.4 million has been allocated under Human Resources Development (HRD) to upgrade qualifications and strengthen the capacity of training institutions, with 39 trainers set to benefit.

TEVETA has also invested more than K49 million under SME and Informal Economy Training, targeting 11,550 operators nationwide. This intervention aims to improve business efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness among micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“These programmes will be delivered through a combination of training institutions and workplace learning in companies to ensure that trainees acquire competencies that enhance their employability,” Mrs. Nkwabilo said.

She added that the programmes are results-based, requiring training institutions to facilitate student placements in companies, while TEVETA will cover tuition fees, stipends, and social protection support for trainees.

Meanwhile, TEVETA Director General Mr. Cleophas Takaiza stressed that the success of the TEVET system depends on strong collaboration between government, industry, and training providers.

“Working together, we can ensure that Zambia produces a workforce that is skilled, productive, and competitive in both local and global markets,” he said.

Mr. Takaiza further emphasized the need for quality assurance, prudent use of resources, and strengthened industry linkages to ensure that training programmes remain aligned with labour market needs.

And Northern Technical College (NORTEC) Principal Mr. Kasonso, whose institution is among the beneficiaries of the TEVET Fund, expressed gratitude to TEVETA for its continued support.

He noted that NORTEC has consistently partnered with TEVETA in promoting skills development and revealed that some of its former students are currently undergoing specialized training in South Africa under the Tool, Die and Mould (TDM) programme at the Production Technologies Association of South Africa.

Some of the companies that have partnered with TEVETA under this initiative include FQM Trident Limited, Maamba Energy Limited, ZESCO Limited, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, Bell Equipment Zambia Limited, Berkeley Properties Limited, Chamba Valley Exotic Hotel Limited, Madison Finance Company Limited, Neelkanth Sarovar Premier Lusaka, Pentire Investments Limited, Pre-Secure Limited, Ross Breeders Zambia Limited, Union Hotels Limited, Zambezi Roofing Limited, and Protea Hotels Cairo Road and Chipata.

The investment is expected to significantly enhance skills development, productivity, and employability, contributing to Zambia’s broader economic development agenda.