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Zambia’s mining sector has significantly advanced, incorporating cutting-edge technologies that require inclusion in craft and skills training programmes.
This is according to Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.
The Chamber called on the government to update the TEVETA curriculum to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other recent technological advancements.
Chamber Vice President and Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sakanya, said there was need for artisans and professionals trained at TEVETA levels to be equipped with the latest technologies used in the mining industry.
Sakanya made these remarks during a meeting in Kitwe with Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, where the Chamber pledged its support for Zambia’s hosting of the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025.
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“Artisans need to acquire the latest skills to remain relevant in a field that now employs artificial intelligence for exploration and targeted aerial mapping of minerals,” Sakanya stated.
Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Sokwani Chilembo, also highlighted the sector’s shortage of skilled artisans, noting that revising the TEVET curriculum presents an opportunity to train more professionals.
Chilembo advocated for skills training to extend up to degree levels to enhance the knowledge of youths undergoing such programs.
He further announced the Chamber’s plans to partner with the government in preparing Zambian participants for the World Skills Africa Competition, which will be hosted in Livingstone in April 2025.
The competition will expose Zambian youths to the global stage and help them compete with their peers,” Chilembo said.
Meanwhile, Minister Mutati confirmed that the government was revising the TEVET Act to make the curriculum more competency-based.
He urged the mining sector to contribute to the revision process to ensure that the latest industry trends were incorporated into training schools.
“Over 1,500 participants from across Africa are expected to attend the event, which will be held at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES) from April 7 to 12, 2025,” Mutati announced.
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