Ministry of Technology and Science - Zambia

Lusaka Vocational and Technical College Hosts the 2026 Fashion Show and Beauty Pageant

Lusaka Vocational and Technical College (LVTC) successfully hosted its 2026 Fashion Show and Beauty Pageant, organised under the Fashion Design and Textile Technology Programme. The event celebrated the exceptional talent, creativity, and cultural diversity of our students, bringing together aspiring designers and models who showcased their work and competed for the prestigious titles of Miss and Mr. LVTC 2026.

The Guest of Honour was Ms Precious Lisulo, Acting Director of Vocational Education and Training at the Ministry of Technology and Science, whose keynote address inspired students, staff, and industry partners alike.

In her remarks Ms Lisulo said today is more than a showcase of beautiful garments. It is a celebration of vision, dedication, and the transformative power of education. It is about recognising the journey of each aspiring designer and textile technologist who has poured their passion into every stitch, every pattern, and every innovative concept.

Colleagues, you may be aware that the Ministry of Technology and Science's policy for the sector includes a dedicated component for entrepreneurship and that component is precisely what is being exhibited here this morning. I want to commend TEVETA for its foresight and commitment to excellence, particularly in the development of the Fashion Design and Textile Technology curriculum.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, it is essential that our educational programmes are not only comprehensive, but dynamic, forward-thinking, and directly relevant to industry needs. The curriculum must go beyond the fundamentals of cutting and sewing. It must embrace sustainable practices, integrating eco-friendly materials, zero-waste design, and ethical production methods. It must incorporate digital innovation, including computer-aided design software, 3D garment visualisation, and digital textile printing. It must balance global trends with local relevance, honouring our rich cultural heritage and local textiles. And it must build business acumen, equipping students with skills in market dynamics, branding, supply chain management, and intellectual property.

As a Ministry committed to promoting entrepreneurship, we are encouraged to see graduate enterprises being established among our youth a key aspiration of the Government and the Eighth National Development Plan. A robust curriculum ensures that graduates are not merely skilled artisans, but well-rounded professionals ready to innovate, lead, and build.

Each garment you have seen today is a testament to creativity,but it also represents a potential business, a brand waiting to be launched, and a job waiting to be created. Our students are not just learning to design; they are being prepared to become job creators. They are future entrepreneurs who will establish fashion houses, textile manufacturing units, ethical sourcing consultancies, and innovative fashion-tech startups.

For this to happen, the curriculum must instil in students the ability to develop robust business plans from market research to financial projections as well as the skills to build compelling brand identities, foster industry networks, and navigate challenges with resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Entrepreneurship is not just a career path; it is a mindset that encourages innovation, calculated risk-taking, and self-reliance. I urge every student here to embrace that spirit and to view every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

To our distinguished cooperating partners, industry leaders, and honoured guests Director Lisulo had a special appeal. You have witnessed first-hand the incredible talent nurtured right here at LVTC. These designs are not merely art; they are commercial products, ready to wear and ready to inspire. I encourage you to consider the immense value of supporting these emerging talents.

By placing orders for garments whether for corporate uniforms, custom event designs, or a unique addition to your personal wardrobe, you are doing far more than purchasing a piece of clothing. You are investing in local talent, directly supporting the dreams and livelihoods of the skilled professionals of tomorrow. You are contributing to economic growth, championing sustainable practices, and encouraging the next generation of designers to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to industry.

Imagine your organisation outfitted in bespoke designs, crafted with care and creativity right here at the College. Imagine owning a piece that is truly one of a kind, knowing you have empowered a young graduate and entrepreneur. Let us be the patrons who launch these careers, the partners who provide the first stepping stones, and the clients who recognise and reward exceptional quality and innovation.

DIGITAL ECONOMY ROUND TABLE -DERT NATIONAL DIGITAL ACTIVATION CAMPAIGN

CO-CREATION SESSION-28th MAY 2026

The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Technology and Science in collaboration with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), convened a Co-Creation Session under the Digital Economy Roundtable (DERT) framework aimed at shaping the National Digital Activation Campaign. The session brought together representatives from Government institutions, regulators, financial institutions, telecommunications operators, media houses, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to collaboratively develop a coordinated national approach towards increasing digital inclusion, digital literacy, citizen trust, and uptake of digital services across the country.

The engagement formed part of Government’s broader agenda to accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation and support the realization of President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of building an inclusive, connected, and technology-driven economy. The session also sought to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and align communication strategies that will drive awareness and usage of digital public and private sector services.

The workshop recognized that while Zambia has made significant progress in expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity, there remains a gap in citizen awareness, confidence, and participation in digital services. Stakeholders therefore agreed on the need for a coordinated national communication and activation campaign to promote meaningful participation in the digital economy.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science Eng, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu officiated at this Session and he emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving Zambia’s digital transformation agenda. He stated that the co-creation session was a continuation of conversations initiated during previous Digital Economy Roundtable engagements and represented a shift from dialogue to concrete action.

Dr. Habeenzu commended stakeholders for their active participation and acknowledged the contributions of Government institutions, the Presidential Delivery Unit, the Public-Private Dialogue Forum, regulators, financial institutions, media representatives, and private sector players. He stressed that collaboration between Government and the private sector was critical to unlocking barriers to national development and achieving the country’s digital transformation objectives.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Government was moving beyond policy discussions towards practical implementation focused on improving service delivery, accountability, citizen participation, and uptake of digital services. He noted that although several Government and private sector services had already been digitized, many citizens remained unaware of these services or lacked confidence in using them.

Dr. Habeenzu emphasized the need for an effective national communication strategy to increase public awareness of available digital services such as online passport applications, title deed applications, and electronic payment systems. He observed that improved communication would significantly contribute to increased efficiency and support Zambia’s transition towards a 24-hour economy.

He further stressed the importance of supporting digital content creators and gamers, noting that the global digital content industry represented a significant economic opportunity for Zambia. He proposed the establishment of a dedicated Digital Economy Roundtable workstream focused on digital content creation and gaming to support monetization opportunities on platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. He explained that supporting content creators would contribute to employment creation, foreign exchange generation, and economic growth.

Additionally, Dr. Habeenzu underscored the need to rebuild public trust in digital platforms through coordinated communication efforts and strengthened cybersecurity frameworks. He informed stakeholders that Government had enhanced cybersecurity laws to ensure citizens could confidently transact and conduct business online.

In concluding his remarks, the Permanent Secretary called for urgency, accountability, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders in implementing the campaign objectives. He expressed confidence that through partnerships and coordinated action, Zambia would build a digital economy that is inclusive, trusted, and transformative.

Speaking on behalf of the Presidential Delivery Unit, the Delivery Manager Mr. Mupota Muchelemba welcomed participants and thanked stakeholders for attending the co-creation session aimed at developing a National Digital Communications Campaign.

Mr. Muchelemba acknowledged the significant progress Zambia had made in expanding connectivity and broadband infrastructure across the country. However, he noted that while many citizens now possessed smartphones and internet access, there remained a challenge in encouraging citizens to transition from traditional physical services to digital platforms.

He explained that many citizens still lacked confidence in using e-services despite the convenience and efficiency they provide. According to Mr. Muchelemba, increasing citizen participation in digital services required coordinated efforts to build trust, improve awareness, and simplify access to services.

The Delivery Manager emphasized that digital inclusion was a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among multiple stakeholders including connectivity providers, literacy trainers, device suppliers, and service developers. He noted that citizens viewed digital services as one integrated ecosystem and that weaknesses in one area affected public confidence in the entire system.

Mr. Muchelemba stated that the purpose of the workshop was to bring together stakeholders who would not ordinarily meet in one forum in order to align communication efforts and develop common messaging that would encourage citizens to use digital services, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

He further highlighted the importance of increasing ICT sector contributions to Zambia’s GDP and noted that the digital economy extended beyond traditional ICT players to include a wide range of ecosystem participants. He encouraged stakeholders to use the session as an opportunity to co-create practical communication strategies, identify priority services for promotion, and strengthen national digital inclusion efforts.

The DERT National Digital Activation Campaign Co-Creation Session provided a strategic platform for Government and ecosystem stakeholders to align efforts towards advancing Zambia’s digital transformation agenda. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, effective communication, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and citizen trust in increasing uptake and usage of digital services.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a coordinated national campaign that promotes inclusive access to digital opportunities and strengthens citizen participation in the digital economy. The session also underscored Government’s commitment to ensuring that digital transformation contributes meaningfully to economic growth, improved public service delivery, and national development.

THE INDUCTION OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD FOR LUSAKA BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE (LBTC) -28TH MAY 2026

The Ministry of Technology and Science is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies in the areas of technology, science, communication, and skills development in order to drive Zambia’s socio-economic transformation. This mandate reflects Government’s commitment to promoting high standards, strengthening regulation, and supporting sustainable technological and skills development initiatives across the country.

Zambia’s Vision 2030 aspires to create a prosperous and technologically advanced nation driven by innovation, value addition, and human capital development. In line with this vision, the Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable practices and advancing digital transformation to ensure that our workforce is adequately equipped with the competencies required in a rapidly evolving global environment.

The Ministry’s goal is to build an inclusive education and technology ecosystem that empowers citizens to actively participate in national development and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and innovation-driven economy.

Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, Director Planning and Information Mr Derick Saboi said the objective of this induction meeting align with Government’s broader agenda of strengthening skills development and technological advancement as key pillars of national development. The Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) identifies agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism as major drivers of economic growth. To support these sectors effectively, there is an urgent need for a highly skilled and competent workforce.

Furthermore, the strategic focus areas of Vision 2030, economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability, and good governance all require strong technical and vocational training systems. As such, the TEVET sector remains a critical enabler in achieving these national aspirations.

Mr Saboi further emphasized that Skills development lies at the heart of economic growth, social empowerment, and global competitiveness. In today’s rapidly changing world, innovation and technology continue to reshape industries and labour markets, making the demand for skilled human capital more critical than ever before.

Government, in collaboration with the private sector, recognizes the importance of competence-based training that responds to industry needs and trends. We must therefore continue harnessing the knowledge, skills, and creativity of our young people to drive sustainable development not only in Zambia, but across the African continent and beyond.

The private sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. The new Board was reminded that commitment, leadership, and dedication are essential to the success of the education and skills development sector.

Mr Saboi said as we continue responding to the growing demands of our economy, it is evident that a well-trained and highly skilled workforce remains the backbone of national development. Our training institutions are central to this endeavour, as they not only provide quality education and training, but also create opportunities and hope for countless young people seeking to contribute positively to society.

This induction meeting underscores our collective responsibility to continuously improve standards of education and training across our institutions while remaining responsive to the needs of learners and industry alike.

Under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, Government remains steadfast in aligning technical education and vocational training with responsive policies that support a transforming economy.

This meeting should therefore reaffirm our commitment to innovation and progress by ensuring that our institutions are equipped with modern facilities and cutting-edge technologies that will position them as centres of excellence in various fields of study.

With the increasing availability of state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, our institutions must empower young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that will enable them to succeed in Zambia’s evolving industrial landscape.

The role of Boards, particularly the Chairpersons and Board members gathered here today, is integral to ensuring effective governance, accountability, and institutional oversight. As we strengthen our institutions, we must foster environments where innovation, quality, transparency, and accountability become the foundation of our operations.

This is not merely about compliance; it is about setting high standards and building institutions that are adaptable, forward-looking, and capable of producing graduates who can both meet labour market demands and create employment opportunities through entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

I therefore encourage all of you to approach today’s discussions with a spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of technical education and skills development in Zambia. The decisions we make today will significantly influence the direction and performance of our institutions.

We must ensure that our curricula and policy frameworks remain relevant and aligned with emerging technological trends and industry expectations. Equally important is the need to strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders in order to provide learners with meaningful and practical learning experiences.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting the TEVET sector through policy guidance, resource mobilisation, and the creation of an enabling environment that promotes growth, innovation, and excellence. However, we equally rely on your leadership, expertise, and commitment to ensure that our institutions continue responding effectively to the needs of learners and industry.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Ministry, Boards, institutional management, and industry stakeholders. He said together, we can transform our institutions into centres of excellence that not only produce skilled graduates, but also inspire innovation, entrepreneurship, and national productivity among our youth.

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EU AND ILO STRENGTHEN ZAMBIA’S DIGITAL SKILLS AND LABOUR SYSTEMS THROUGH ICT EQUIPMENT HANDOVER-19TH MAY 2026

The European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), officially handed over Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to the Ministry of Technology and Science and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security under the Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP). Held at the ILO Country Office on 19th May 2026, the ceremony underscored the Government of Zambia’s commitment to digital transformation, skills development, labour market modernization, and enhanced public service delivery in line with the vision of the Government under President Hakainde Hichilema.

The event highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity, improving labour market systems, and equipping Zambia’s workforce with relevant, market-driven skills necessary to drive economic growth, industrialization, and national productivity.

Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu expressed profound gratitude to the European Union and the International Labour Organization for their continued support to Zambia’s skills development agenda through the Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP). He emphasized that the collaboration remains instrumental in strengthening the Ministry’s capacity to coordinate, monitor, and support national skills development initiatives.

He noted that the ICT equipment handed over, including laptops, desktop computers, monitors, printers, and internet connectivity support, valued at over K890,000, would significantly enhance the Ministry’s operational efficiency and programme implementation capacity. He assured the cooperating partners that the equipment would be properly maintained and utilized responsibly to maximize its impact.

Dr. Habeenzu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to skills development and human capital transformation under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. He highlighted the government’s deliberate prioritization of skills development through increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, with a substantial proportion directed toward skills training and youth empowerment.

He observed that despite Zambia’s youthful population and abundant potential, many young people continue to face unemployment due to skills mismatches and limited access to modern training tools. He stressed the need to scale up practical, market-oriented skills training aligned to emerging economic opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that the government alone cannot adequately address the country’s development challenges, hence the need for strong partnerships with the private sector and cooperating partners. He commended the EU and ILO for complementing Government efforts through strategic investments in digital infrastructure and skills development systems.

Dr. Habeenzu also underscored the importance of digital transformation within the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) sector. He noted that modern technologies such as e-learning platforms, digital assessment systems, artificial intelligence, and virtual learning environments are essential in ensuring Zambia’s skills sector remains competitive and responsive to evolving labour market demands.

He stated that Zambia’s ambitions in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and industrial growth can only be realized through a highly skilled workforce equipped with relevant digital and technical competencies. He therefore appealed for strengthened collaboration with the ILO and EU to further support the digital transformation of Zambia’s TEVET sector.

In conclusion, Dr. Habeenzu reiterated Government’s appreciation for the continued partnership and expressed optimism that the collaboration would continue contributing significantly toward advancing employability, innovation, and economic growth in Zambia.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Mr. Zechariah Luhanga welcomed the ICT equipment handover as timely and transformative, particularly as the Ministry continues implementing key reforms within the labour and social security sectors.

He highlighted recent legislative milestones achieved by Government, including reforms to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), and LASF, which are aimed at improving social protection and pension accessibility for workers in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Luhanga also commended Government for approving critical policies in the labour sector, including the National Productivity Policy and the revised National Employment and Labour Market Policy. He noted that the updated labour market policy reflects changing realities within the world of work and positions Zambia to respond effectively to evolving labour market dynamics.

The Permanent Secretary expressed sincere appreciation to the EU and ILO for their consistent support to the Ministry, emphasizing that the partnership extends beyond symbolic gestures and has delivered practical and transformative results.

He explained that the Ministry had received critical ICT infrastructure, including servers, laptops, desktop computers, and printers, which would significantly improve operational efficiency, staff productivity, and service delivery. Additionally, he highlighted the successful linkage of the Kawambwa Labour Office to the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN), which has enhanced secure and reliable communication across Government institutions.

Mr. Luhanga acknowledged that the Ministry had previously faced significant challenges relating to internet connectivity and inadequate ICT infrastructure, particularly at district and provincial levels. He noted that the intervention by the ILO and EU would help address these longstanding operational constraints.

He further emphasized that the equipment would support the implementation of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS), a critical platform for collecting, analysing, and disseminating labour market data to inform evidence-based policymaking and workforce planning.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated that digital transformation is now a necessity for modern public service delivery. He highlighted additional digital initiatives within the Ministry, including the establishment of a toll-free labour contact centre aimed at improving public access to labour-related information and services.

As he concluded, Mr. Luhanga urged Ministry staff to ensure proper utilization and maintenance of the equipment and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with cooperating partners in advancing Zambia’s labour sector reforms and digital transformation agenda.

ILO Country Director for Zambia and Malawi Mr. Wellington Chibebe reaffirmed the International Labour Organization’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s skills development and labour market systems through strategic partnerships with Government and cooperating partners.

He stated that the ICT equipment valued at approximately K996,000 had been procured under the Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP), implemented by the ILO with financial support from the European Union Delegation to Zambia.

Mr. Chibebe noted that the investment demonstrates the collective commitment of the EU, ILO, and the Government of Zambia toward strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination, and promoting evidence-based decision-making in skills development and labour market systems.

He explained that the Ministry of Technology and Science, as Chair of the SDEP Technical Working Group and Project Manager, plays a critical role in coordinating programme implementation, while the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is central to labour market coordination, apprenticeship management, and labour market information systems.

According to Mr. Chibebe, the ICT equipment handed over would strengthen the operations of Skills Advisory Committees and Labour Market Information System task teams, thereby improving the effectiveness of skills coordination and workforce planning mechanisms.

He emphasized that through SDEP, the ILO continues supporting the improvement of employability for women and men by strengthening Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) systems, skills coordination mechanisms, and labour market information systems. These interventions are essential in ensuring that young people acquire relevant skills aligned to labour market demands and emerging economic opportunities.

Mr. Chibebe thanked the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the European Union, social partners, and all cooperating partners for their continued collaboration and commitment toward strengthening Zambia’s labour market and skills development ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the ICT equipment would contribute significantly toward improving labour market systems, strengthenng institutional coordination, and empowering future generations of skilled Zambians.

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INFRATEL BIDS FAREWELL TO HON. FELIX MUTATI-18TH MAY 2026

The management and staff of Infratel gathered to bid farewell to former Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Mutati, in recognition of his leadership, support, and contribution to Zambia’s digital transformation agenda during his tenure.

In his remarks, Hon. Mutati reflected on the significant progress made within the technology and digital infrastructure sector over the past five years, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to national economic growth and enterprise development. He noted that the ICT sector had emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, with optic fibre infrastructure expanding from 15,000 kilometres to over 45,000 kilometres nationwide.

Hon. Mutati commended Infratel for its remarkable transformation from a struggling state-owned enterprise into a profitable and innovative digital infrastructure company. He described the institution as “a sleeping giant that has now awakened,” praising its transition from a traditional ICT solutions provider into a strategic enterprise enabler supporting national development and business growth.

He further applauded Infratel’s financial turnaround, highlighting the company’s achievement of recording profits for two consecutive years and contributing taxes to national development instead of depending on government financial support. According to Hon. Mutati, this transformation demonstrates that public institutions can operate efficiently, competitively, and sustainably when driven by innovation, accountability, and strategic leadership.

The former Minister also praised Infratel’s investments in cloud infrastructure, data centres, cybersecurity, fibre connectivity, and telecommunications towers, noting that these investments have strengthened digital resilience and enhanced service delivery across the country. He acknowledged the company’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through its partnership with the University of Zambia and the establishment of innovation initiatives aimed at empowering young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Hon. Mutati emphasized the importance of confidence, teamwork, innovation, and resilience in national development, encouraging Infratel employees to continue believing in their abilities and contributing solutions that improve the lives of Zambians. He reiterated the Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, to expanding opportunities through free education, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

He further stressed that Zambia’s development depends on citizens embracing hard work, collaboration, and innovation, while protecting the gains achieved over the past five years. Hon. Mutati described Infratel as a symbol of hope and proof that Zambian institutions and professionals are capable of delivering world-class solutions and driving sustainable national progress.

Speaking during the farewell event, Infratel Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Silavwe, expressed appreciation to Hon. Mutati for the strategic support and policy direction provided to the institution during his tenure.

Dr. Silavwe noted that Infratel’s transformation into a sustainable digital infrastructure company had been made possible through a supportive policy environment and a shared vision for digital transformation. He highlighted that the company had successfully diversified its operations beyond traditional infrastructure services into cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions.

He further stated that the launch of the national digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence strategies provided clarity and confidence for institutions such as Infratel to innovate and expand their services. Among the company’s notable achievements, he cited the successful rollout of the Microsoft Azure Stack cloud platform, the establishment of a Security Operations Centre, the launch of the Infratel-UNZA Innovation Hub, and the introduction of AI-driven data analytics solutions.

Dr. Silavwe also paid tribute to the dedication and resilience of Infratel employees, acknowledging their role in driving the institution’s transformation and embracing new skills and technologies to support the company’s evolving vision.

On behalf of the Board, Management, staff, and shareholders, Dr. Silavwe thanked Hon. Mutati for his leadership, accessibility, and commitment to fostering innovation and institutional growth within Zambia’s technology sector. He wished the former Minister success in his future endeavours and reaffirmed Infratel’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s digital and economic transformation agenda.