ZAM raises concerns over skills gap hindering economic growth, calls for collaborative action

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has voiced concerns over the prevailing skills deficit in Zambia, spanning diverse sectors of the economy.

Chief Executive Officer, Muntanga Lindunda, explained how this shortage hindered the pace of business development, spanning small enterprises to larger entities across 20 sub-sectors.

Addressing a Skills Conference in Lusaka, Lindunda said it was imperative to craft a roadmap that not only tackles the skills gap but also propels Zambia towards its envisioned economic prosperity.

“Recognizing the complexity of skills and educational development, we’ve integrated breaks and interactive segments to sustain our enthusiasm,” Lindunda remarked.

Highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to catalyze Zambia’s long-term aspirations, Lindunda called for concerted efforts towards transformation.

Meanwhile, Minister Felix Mutati, speaking through Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr Brilliant Habeenz, underscored the necessity for government-manufacturer collaboration to mitigate production costs.

Mutati acknowledged ZAM’s pivotal role in advocating for conducive policies fostering business growth and nurturing critical skills.

He outlined government’s ambition of nurturing a resilient and competitive manufacturing sector, poised to bolster job creation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution.

Cleophas Takaiza, Director General of the Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), reiterated TEVET’s commitment to bridging skills gaps through various initiatives.

Takaiza stated the significance of industry partnerships in addressing emerging skill needs, citing a collaborative effort with the Production Technologies Association of South Africa to develop a curriculum in Tool, Dye, and Mould, recognized as a vital enabler for sector productivity and efficiency.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.