Education is the most powerful weapon for progress, particularly for Zambia’s youth. It holds the key to tackling unemployment, reducing reliance on foreign expertise, and ensuring sustainable national development. Recognizing this, the Zambian government has prioritized expanding access to quality technical education and vocational training.
The Kwambula Training Programme, initiated by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in collaboration with the Government of Zambia and the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), exemplifies these efforts.
Since its inception, the programme has aimed to bridge the skills gap, equipping young Zambians with industry-relevant expertise in Solwezi and the rest of the country.
During the second Kwambula graduation ceremony at Trident College, held on November 29, 2024, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati emphasized the critical role of skills development in economic empowerment.
Represented by Kondwani Mutelekesha, Director Planning in the ministry, the Minister applauded Kwambula’s contribution to reducing unemployment and fostering self-reliance.
“Kwambula is closing the skills gap and creating opportunities for economic empowerment,” Mutati stated, urging graduates to embrace lifelong learning and contribute to national development through entrepreneurship, public service, or industry.
He encouraged the graduates of the institution called “Kwambula Trades Training Institute” to use their talents for collective progress and become community builders.
“Success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the positive change you bring to others,” he added.
The Kwambula programme, operational since 2012 and run at Solwezi Trades Training Institute (SOTTI), initially offered three trades. It has since expanded to include instrumentation, power electrical, metal fabrication, mechanical fitting and machining, and heavy equipment repair. Plans are underway to introduce rigging and lifting operations training to meet industry needs.
Kwambula Training and Development Manager Charlie Watts explained the programme’s purpose: “Kwambula, meaning ‘igniting fire’ in Kiikaonde, symbolizes our mission to empower students with technical expertise and ignite hope in the fight against illiteracy and poverty.”
The programme has trained over 500 students, equipping them with skills aligned with global standards. Kansanshi Mining PLC, a subsidiary of FQM, has been instrumental in this initiative.
Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen emphasized the company’s commitment to community empowerment, stating, “A skilled workforce is the foundation of sustainable development and a thriving economy.”
Graduates of the Kwambula programme are expected to drive Zambia’s mining and industrial sectors forward. Watts urged graduates to be “safety champions” and uphold values of hard work, honesty, and integrity.
He highlighted that their skills are not just tools for personal success but instruments for fostering innovation and uplifting communities.
Harriet Nyamasambu, an electrical graduate, expressed gratitude for FQM’s commitment to youth empowerment, saying, “Kwambula has equipped us with invaluable craft skills, contributing to our communities’ growth and sustainability.”
Award recipients like Davies Kalala (hard work in electrical) and Benisa Mubambe (academic excellence in Heavy Equipment Repair) credited their success to perseverance and dedication.
The success of Kwambula underscores the private sector’s pivotal role in Zambia’s development. Through initiatives like Kwambula, FQM has shown that private-public partnerships can catalyze economic growth, uplift communities, and provide youth with opportunities for a brighter future.
The story of Kwambula demonstrates how education and skills development are transforming lives and shaping a prosperous Zambia.
