Govt allocates K150 million to upgrade trade schools, boost skills training for youths

The government has announced that it will spend approximately K150 million this year to upgrade trade schools across the country.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said that K80 million was being spent to modernise trade schools, while K70 million was allocated for purchasing new equipment.

Speaking at the Copperbelt Agricultural Mining Industrial Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) Breakfast hosted by ZANACO on Tuesday in Kitwe, Mutati said the investment aimed to ensure youths attain the best skills while in school.

“The upgrading of the trade schools is aimed at ensuring that students get the right skills needed in the industry once they graduate,” the minister said.

Mutati also revealed that the government was making significant preparations to host the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025.

He urged the mining industry to provide opportunities for Zambian youths to hone their skills ahead of the competition, where they would compete in 21 skills categories.

“Zambia won the rights to host the event after a competitive process with other African countries,” he said.

Additionally, Mutati claimed that Kagem Mine had committed $2.5 million for constructing the Chapula Vocational Training Center in Lufwanyama District, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for next month.

He noted that the training center would offer Copperbelt youths the opportunity to acquire various skills.

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