Zambia is set to strengthen its technical and vocational education sector through a new $100 million initiative known as the Skills Training for Resilience and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) project. The announcement was made by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, marking what he described as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to equip young people with industry-relevant skills.
Although the project is still awaiting formal approval, Minister Mutati confirmed that Zambia plans to participate in the Multiphase Programmatic Approach to access regional funding from the International Development Association (IDA). This will enable the country to begin early preparations ahead of the project’s full approval.
The STRIVE project will focus on enhancing training opportunities for Zambian youth, particularly in key economic sectors such as mining, agribusiness, and hospitality. It will involve upgrading programs in selected public and private Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions, establishing Centers of Excellence, piloting a TEVET student loans scheme, and expanding access to short-term and trade-related training.
In addition to improving entrepreneurship support and business development services, the project will strengthen system management through interoperable information systems and introduce performance-based reforms for the TEVET Fund.
Once operational, the project is expected to directly benefit more than 35,000 young people enrolled in advanced TEVET programs and a further 150,000 in trades and short courses. According to government projections, the initiative will address up to 80 percent of the mid-level technician gap in Zambia’s major economic sectors.
Minister Mutati said the STRIVE project represents a transformative opportunity for Zambia’s youth, emphasizing that it aims to link education directly with employment. “Our goal is to align skills training with industry needs, so that our youth can secure meaningful employment and drive national development. This project will ensure that training leads to real jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities,” he said.
The Ministry of Technology and Science will lead the implementation of the project, supported by a Steering Committee chaired by the Minister and composed of key stakeholders. The government has also requested a Project Preparation Advance (PPA) to fast-track groundwork, with full project approval anticipated by July 2026.
