ZAMBIA STRENGTHENS INDUSTRY DRIVEN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TEVETA–HITACHI CONSTRUCTION PARTNERSHIP
On 2nd March 2026, Zambia recorded a significant milestone in advancing industry-aligned skills development as the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) formalized a strategic partnership with Hitachi Construction Zambia through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Hitachi Head Office in Lusaka.
The signing ceremony was officiated by the Guest of Honour, Hon. Felix C. Mutati, who commended the strengthened collaboration between the private sector and Government through the Ministry of Technology and Science. He emphasized that partnerships of this nature are critical in aligning skills development with industrial growth and national economic transformation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of Hitachi Construction Zambia Nobuhiko Saito expressed appreciation to the Federation of Employers, the TEVETA Board and Management, and the Ministry of Technology and Science for their support in making the partnership possible. He described the MoU as a major milestone that formalizes long-standing cooperation and reinforces Hitachi’s commitment to Zambia’s industrial future.
He noted that as the construction and mining industries rapidly evolve through technological advancement, automation integration, and increasing demand for highly trained technicians, structured apprenticeship and industry-aligned curriculum development have become essential. The partnership will expand practical training opportunities for young Zambians and equip them with globally competitive competencies.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to knowledge transfer, workforce empowerment, and the development of a highly skilled local labour force capable of supporting Zambia’s industrialisation agenda.
The TEVETA Board Chairperson Ms. Ngoza Nkwabilo Chibesakunda, commended Hon. Mutati for his unwavering efforts in reforming the TEVET curriculum to ensure it meets modern industry demands. She highlighted Government’s drive to integrate advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital systems into training programmes so that graduates are equipped with relevant and future-ready skills.
She further applauded Hitachi Construction Zambia for its commitment to providing learners with hands-on exposure to modern tools, equipment, and industry best practices—an approach that will enhance competence, confidence, and employability among trainees.
The Board emphasized that the MoU strengthens collaboration within the Technical, Education, Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training ecosystem, particularly in supporting Zambia’s mining sector. The partnership aligns with TEVETA’s Strategic Plan, which prioritizes:
Strong industrial partnerships
Economic transformation driven by skills development
Increased workforce employability
Expansion of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET)
Institutional capacity building and curriculum modernization
The TEVETA Director General Mr Cleophas Takaiza, described the formalization of the MoU as a transition from goodwill to a structured and results-oriented partnership focused on practical technical training aligned with industry needs.
As part of the immediate implementation plan, 85 interns—graduates from TEVET institutions including the Northern Technical College (NORTEC)—will commence industrial training at Hitachi by April 2026 to further refine their skills.
In the long term, TEVETA, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, is working towards transforming the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) into a fully-fledged, modernized training hub with industrial support from Hitachi. The collaboration will enhance service delivery systems within Zambia’s mining sector and beyond.
Key focus areas of modernization include:
Joint curriculum review and quality assurance enhancement
Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
Automation and advanced hydraulics
Equipment diagnostics and digital monitoring systems
Smart technologies for industrial efficiency
This integration will ensure that graduates are not only employable locally but also competitive in the global labour market.
In his keynote remarks, Hon. Mutati described the occasion as a significant step toward achieving Zambia’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper by 2030. He noted that Government has implemented critical reforms and secured over US$2 billion in investment to support growth in the mining sector, emphasizing that skilled human capital is essential to delivering these outcomes.
The Minister further highlighted Government’s role in creating a conducive business environment, including the expansion of 5G internet connectivity to drive digital transformation in the mining sector. He stressed that hands-on, industry-based training—targeting at least 80 percent practical exposure—is key to meeting industrial demands and achieving a win-win outcome for both industry and the nation.
Minister Mutati concluded by expressing gratitude to Hitachi Construction Zambia for partnering with TEVETA, stating that the collaboration will significantly contribute to skills empowerment, industrial growth, and sustainable national development. The Minister also toured the ultra-modern workshop and classroom facilities where training activities will be conducted.
The signing of the MoU between TEVETA and Hitachi Construction Zambia marks a transformative step in strengthening Zambia’s skills development framework. By aligning technical training with real industry demands, the partnership reinforces the Government’s commitment to building a competent, technologically advanced, and globally competitive workforce capable of driving Zambia’s industrial and mining ambitions.
