Kwambula Continues to Transform Lives Through Skills Development

The Kwambula Training Centre continues to transform […]

The Kwambula Training Centre continues to transform lives across North-Western Province by equipping young people with industry-ready technical skills, while ensuring host communities directly benefit from mining investments.

Established in 2012 through a partnership between Kansanshi Mining PLC, TEVETA and the Government of Zambia, the centre has become one of Zambia’s leading vocational training institutions, providing young people with pathways to meaningful employment and supporting the country’s mining, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

The centre’s impact was highlighted during the inaugural Kwambula National Skills Competition in Solwezi, where government officials and technical institutions celebrated excellence in vocational training.

 Since its inception, First Quantum Minerals has invested more than US$1.5 million annually in the fully funded learnership programme, benefiting 760 trainees, of whom 512 have graduated while 248 are currently undergoing training.

Importantly, 65 per cent of trainees are recruited from North-Western Province, particularly from host communities, ensuring local people are among the first beneficiaries of opportunities created through mining.

Kwambula Training Centre Lead Webby Makoloni said the programme was designed to transform lives by providing quality technical training, practical experience and meaningful career opportunities. He noted that the Kaonde name “Kwambula,” meaning “igniting hope,” reflects the centre’s mission of empowering young people, strengthening families and contributing to Zambia’s long-term economic development.

 The programme is also promoting gender inclusion, with 145 women, representing about 28 per cent of all graduates, having completed training. The competition also showcased the high standard of training at Kwambula, with its trainees dominating several disciplines.

Joyce Kamboyi won the Power Electrical category with 98 per cent, Pascalina Kasumpa topped Instrumentation with 95 per cent, while Kelvin Lwando claimed the Heavy Equipment Repair title with 86 per cent.

Precious Mwila Nsama won Metal Fabrication with 93 per cent, McMillan Chapesha emerged champion in Mechanical Fitting and Machining with 90 per cent, and Kamiza Jack, Manfwela Grian and Chifita Leonard jointly won the Rigging category after each scored 92 per cent.

The competition also served as Zambia’s selection event for the forthcoming WorldSkills Africa Competition in Algeria. Engineering Institution of Zambia Registrar Engineer David Kamungu, Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil speaking on behalf of Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen and North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi all commended the partnership between First Quantum Minerals, TEVETA and the Government, describing it as a model for developing Zambia’s skilled workforce.

 They said Kwambula is doing far more than producing artisans; it is investing in people, empowering communities and creating a legacy by ensuring local young people are equipped to participate in the economic opportunities created through mining.