TEVETA Bridges Skills Gap

Kasonkamona says Curriculum reforms is aimed at aligning training with industry needs.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, --- (October 29, 2025) — The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) is modernising curricula for training institutions to ensure that skills development aligns with industry needs and supports Zambia’s industrial and national development goals.

Speaking during a presentation on Curriculum Development in TEVET: Enhancing Skills for Industry and National Development held at the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre, TEVETA Director for Development and Research, Phyllis C. L. Kasonkamona, said the authority is committed to producing graduates equipped with practical competencies that meet labour market expectations.

Ms. Kasonkamona explained that TEVETA has adopted internationally recognised curriculum models — the Develop A Curriculum (DACUM) and Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development (SCID) frameworks — to ensure that training programmes offered by institutions are responsive to the ever-changing demands of the industry.

“Our goal is to ensure that TEVET curricula remain relevant, adaptable, and aligned to real labour market needs,” she said.

She said TEVETA’s Development and Research Division continues to lead in setting occupational standards, developing and reviewing national curricula, designing learning materials, and promoting increased access to quality technical and vocational education.

Ms. Kasonkamona disclosed that as of April 2025, TEVETA had developed and reviewed 460 national curricula at different qualification levels, including diplomas, advanced certificates, and trade qualifications. These cover key areas such as agriculture, aviation, engineering, hospitality, and information technology.

Highlighting TEVETA’s ongoing transition to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), she said the approach emphasises learners’ ability to demonstrate practical skills in real work environments rather than relying solely on theoretical examinations.

“CBET focuses on what learners can do in actual work situations, not just what they know,” she stressed.

Ms. Kasonkamona noted that TEVETA’s Strategic Plan (2025–2027) prioritises the shift to CBET and includes the development of Dual VET Guidelines to strengthen collaboration between training institutions and industry players. Programmes such as Plumbing and Pipe Fitting (supported by GIZ) and Solar Energy (supported by Commundo) have already begun transitioning to CBET.

However, she pointed out challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training equipment, over-enrolment, and a shortage of specialised instructors, which hinder effective curriculum implementation in training institutions.

To address these gaps, Ms. Kasonkamona recommended increased investment in workshops and learning materials, enhanced instructor training, formal linkages with industry, and regular curriculum reviews informed by research and labour market data.

She further announced that TEVETA will host a National TEVET Conference in 2027 to bring together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to review progress and shape the future of skills development in Zambia.

 “We remain committed to building a skilled, competent, and innovative workforce that drives Zambia’s industrialisation and national development,” she said.