The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has been inaugurated as a UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre, officially joining a globally network of institutions dedicated to strengthening Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) systems

The UNESCO-UNEVOC Network brings together leading TEVET institutions worldwide, creating a platform for collaboration, innovation and the exchange of knowledge.

For Zambia, this development marks an important step toward aligning its skills development efforts with international standards and emerging global trends.

Speaking during the inauguration, TEVETA Director General Cleophas Takaiza, reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to delivering quality and relevant skills for national development.

"As the statutory body mandated to regulate, coordinate, and promote TEVET in Zambia, TEVETA remains committed to delivering quality, industry-responsive skills. Our membership in the UNEVOC Network presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our system through global collaboration and access to international best practices," Mr. Takaiza said.

Through the UNEVOC Network, TEVETA will take an active role in international initiatives aimed at strengthening skills development. This participation will focus on key priority areas such as accessing global best practices in Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), quality assurance, digital learning and green skills.

The Authority will also benefit from benchmarking Zambian TEVET qualifications against international standards, enhancing both competitiveness and global recognition. The network will also support evidence-driven policy development for the national, informed by research and global insights.

TEVETA will further contribute to and learn from global dialogue on emerging skills and future workforce needs.

Mr. Takaiza emphasised that the network provides an important platform for peer learning, enabling Zambia to collaborate with countries facing similar skills development challenges and to collectively advance solutions.

As part of its global engagement, TEVETA will prioritise building a workforce that is both inclusive and equipped for the future. The Authority will focus on empowering young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that enhance their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Other efforts will be directed toward promoting gender equality by ensuring fair and equal access to training opportunities for all. TEVETA will also strengthen programmes that support the development of green and digital skills, helping the workforce adapt to evolving economic demands driven by sustainability and technology.

Equally important is the commitment to expanding opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised groups, ensuring that skills development remains accessible and inclusive, leaving no one behind.

Through its engagement in the UNEVOC Network, TEVETA will harness this global partnership to promote a more inclusive and forward-looking workforce in Zambia. The Authority will prioritise key areas that strengthen both access and relevance in skills development.

These efforts will focus on improving youth employability by equipping young people with skills that are directly aligned with labour market needs. At the same time, TEVETA will work to expand gender equality in training opportunities, ensuring that all individuals are able to participate and benefit.

In addition, emphasis will be placed on developing green and digital competencies to support Zambia's transition toward a more sustainable and technology-driven economy.