Skills Gap Solved

... Mwamba says the partnership between the private sector and universities will not only bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience but also enhance technical training and improve job

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 2, 2025) - The Wonderful Group of Companies and the Ministry of Education (Universities Division) are finalizing a partnership with Zambia’s leading public universities to address the national skills gap in technical fields through an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate industrial training for students.

The Ministry of Education has commended the Wonderful Group for its commitment to innovation and human capital development, as efforts advance toward formalising this partnership between public universities and the private sector.

During a tour of the company’s manufacturing plant, Permanent Secretary for technical services Kelvin Mambwe praised the facility’s modern production lines, quality control systems, and significant investment in workforce training.

“ These efforts align directly with Zambia’s vision for industrialisation and skills development,” Mr. Mambwe stated.

He revealed that the Ministry is in the final stages of formalising the MoU with the Wonderful Group, which aims to facilitate industrial attachments that allow students to translate academic learning into practical skills.

“This collaboration will better prepare students for the workforce by equipping them with relevant, job-ready competencies,” he explained.

This initiative supports the Ministry’s objectives under the Eighth National Development Plan and complements President Hakainde Hichilema’s broader economic transformation agenda focused on innovation, skills development, and job creation.

Mambwe urged universities to update their curricula in response to evolving industry needs, encouraging students to embrace their industrial attachments with curiosity and professionalism.

“To our students—seize this opportunity to learn, innovate, and build networks. You are central to Zambia’s industrial future,” he said.

He further called on the Wonderful Group to uphold rigorous standards of training and safety during student placements, stressing the partnership’s role in building a competent manufacturing workforce.

The collaboration aims to close the critical skills gap in manufacturing by promoting education that directly responds to industry demands. 

A high-level engagement held at the United Capital Fertilizer Plant in Lusaka brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, university representatives, and industry leaders.

Mambwe emphasized that the MoU is more than a formal agreement; it is a catalyst for systemic change that aligns academic preparation with labor market requirements.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving Zambia’s industrial development,” he noted.

During a tour of the fertilizer and chemical plants, Acting Group CEO Roy Mwamba described the visit as a turning point from conceptual discussions to actionable collaboration.

“This engagement moves us decisively from theory to practical implementation,” Mwamba said.

He highlighted the urgent need for university programs in chemistry, engineering, and mining to produce graduates with competencies matching industry expectations.

“Our new fertilizer plant—the first of its kind in the region—demands skilled local professionals. Without deliberate capacity building, we risk continued dependence on foreign labor,” he warned.

Mwamba outlined plans to provide internships and job opportunities, ensuring students experience a clear transition from academic study to employment.

He also proposed joint assessments of university facilities to identify gaps and develop strategies that align training with actual job market needs, starting this year.

Although the MoU remains unsigned, Mwamba confirmed that arrangements are well advanced.

“For too long, education has been predominantly theoretical. We are creating platforms that immerse students in real-world industrial environments, marking a critical step toward integrating academia with industry,” he added.

Prof. Emmanuel Chanda, Dean of the School of Mines, expressed strong endorsement of the partnership among the Wonderful Group, United Capital Fertilizer Company, and universities.

He described it as a transformative step that reconnects academia with industry after a prolonged disconnect.

“This collaboration will enhance graduate skills, reducing their need for extended on-the-job training through internships and practical experience,” said Prof. Chanda.

He also highlighted the value of scholarships and laboratory upgrades supported by the partnership, which collectively boost graduate readiness.

“We anticipate this collaboration will significantly contribute to Zambia’s development,” he concluded optimistically.

Dr. Musonga Lungu, Dean of the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences at Copperbelt University, welcomed the initiative as a timely response to the diminishing industrial opportunities faced by engineering graduates.

“This partnership revitalizes prospects for chemical and process engineers. The Wonderful Group’s leadership sets a high standard for the sector,” he said.

“From Copperbelt University’s perspective, this initiative opens new pathways for our graduates, who have long faced a narrowing job market due to industry contraction and limited internationalization.

“The absence of strong academia-industry collaboration has necessitated importing skills we could otherwise develop locally.

“This investment signals a serious commitment to sustainable industrial growth and skills localization—a model others should emulate.

“We at Copperbelt University are ready and eager to contribute to this endeavour,” Dr. Lungu affirmed.

Dr. Gilbert Samukonga, Director of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Mukuba University, emphasized the alignment of the partnership with Mukuba’s new STEM university status.

“This initiative presents a critical opportunity to enhance our contributions through relevant skills development,” he said.

He underscored the necessity of investing in laboratory infrastructure and human resources to ensure the program’s long-term success.

Samukonga also encouraged other companies to replicate the Wonderful Group’s collaborative approach.

“Industry partnerships create valuable practical experiences for students and foster technological application in real-world contexts,” he said.

He concluded by noting the broader national benefits of such engagements.

“This collaboration will not only uplift students but will also advance Zambia’s development agenda. We thank the Wonderful Group and the Ministry of Education for this opportunity,” he said.

Once formalized, the MoU will institutionalize student industrial attachments, encourage curriculum modernization, and broaden employment pathways—positioning Zambia’s universities as pivotal contributors to the nation’s industrial transformation.