Zambia still lagging behind in skills development – EIZ

The Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) says Zambia is still lagging behind in terms of skills development to contribute meaningfully to the expansion of the economy.

Bernard Chiwala

Speaking during the ongoing 43rd World Skills International (WSI) conference in São Paulo, Brazil, which has attracted over 74 countries and 1,120 participants, competing in 50 disciplines, EIZ President and World Skills Zambia Official Delegate Engineer Bernard Chiwala said Zambia’s participation in the conference has provided a platform for skills development for young people to transform their lives and contribute towards economic growth using the power of skills.

He said Zambia was a new entrant to the competition, and only among five African countries, in a competition which has existed for over 50 years.

He added that he had come to learn that the competition provided linkages in terms of skills development, which the country missed on during the time of absence.

Mr. Chiwala said this in a joint interview with National Council for Construction (NCC) Executive Director Engineer Charles Mushota.

 Charles Mushota

And Mr. Mushota said Zambia should graduate from being an associate member of WSI to full membership, saying there was also need for government’s full participation in the competitions, like the strong government participation from Russia, France, South Korea and many other countries.

He said the country was currently participating in the three disciplines of Bricklaying, Carpentry and concrete technology, but hoped that other sectors of the economy would be attracted to join into the competitions.

And Mr. Chiwala said the EIZ has developed a concrete programme to attract Zambians with engineering ideas into recognizable markets by attracting specialists from countries like Japan in quality addition to the innovations.

This is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary for Press at Zambia’s Embassy to Brazil Patson Chilemba.