Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting competence-based training and entrepreneurship as key pillars for job creation and sustainable economic growth. Speaking during the 59th Graduation Ceremony of Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, Ministry of…

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting competence-based training and entrepreneurship as key pillars for job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking during the 59th Graduation Ceremony of Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, who was represented by Director of Planning and Information Derrick Saboi, said competence-based education is critical in equipping learners with practical skills required by the labour market.

“Competence-based education is essential in preparing learners for the demands of today’s labour market,” he said.

Dr Habeenzu said the theme of the graduation ceremony, “Promoting Competence-Based Training and Entrepreneurship for Inclusive Sustainable Growth,” reflects government’s agenda of transforming the economy through skills development.

He said competence-based learning enables students to acquire practical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring they are ready for employment and self-employment.

Dr Habeenzu noted that countries that have adopted competence-based training have recorded higher youth employment levels and stronger entrepreneurial growth, adding that Zambia should continue investing in practical skills development.

He said government remains committed to supporting skills development through the Skills Development Fund established under the Skills Development Act No. 46 of 2016 to ensure training programmes respond to labour market needs.

Dr Habeenzu added that colleges should position themselves as centres of AI literacy, innovation and applied research to produce graduates capable of driving economic growth.

“Artificial intelligence must become part of our education system to prepare graduates for the future,” he said.

Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce Acting Principal, Charity Nyerongo has urged graduates to embrace competence-based training and entrepreneurship as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable national development.

“Competence-based training bridges the gap between education and industry,” she said.

Ms Nyerongo said the rapidly changing global environment requires graduates to possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that enable them to address real-world challenges.

He further thanked the government through the Ministry of Technology and Science and the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) for its continued support, including expanded bursaries and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has enabled many vulnerable students to access tertiary education.