ZIHRM encourages skills upgrade among job seekers

The Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) has urged job seekers to continuously upgrade their skills to remain relevant in the changing labour market. ZIHRM Vice President Clement Chipungu says academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient, as employers…

The Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) has urged job seekers to continuously upgrade their skills to remain relevant in the changing labour market.

ZIHRM Vice President Clement Chipungu says academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient, as employers increasingly demand digital, communication, problem-solving, critical-thinking and adaptive skills.

Mr Chipungu said this at a press briefing in Lusaka, ahead of the 2026 Job Expo Zambia, scheduled for October 16, at the Showgrounds Polo Field.

He said the expo, which will be hosted by HR Leverage, will go beyond recruitment by promoting skills development, career advancement, entrepreneurship and workplace readiness.

“The world of work is evolving rapidly,” Mr Chipungu said.

He said ZIHRM is working with universities and other stakeholders to address the mismatch between skills acquired through education and those required by employers.

Mr Chipungu also urged employers to actively participate in the expo, to identify talent and create pathways for meaningful employment and professional development.

He further encouraged the media to engage ZIHRM in discussions aimed at strengthening human resource development and supporting Zambia’s economic agenda.

Meanwhile, HR Leverage Zambia Growth Director Matilda Chungu said the expo is aimed at promoting employment, career development, skills building, entrepreneurship and professional networking.

She said the event is expected to bring together job seekers, graduates, students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, recruiters and industry leaders.

Ms Chungu thanked sponsors, recruitment partners, exhibitors and media organisations for supporting the initiative, saying creating employment opportunities and developing Zambia’s workforce is a shared responsibility.

She said the expo will provide a platform for participants to connect, learn about available opportunities and build professional networks.

Speaking at the same event, Prudential Life Assurance Zambia Limited Head of Distribution Gervase Phiri said the company is using its agency model to create business and employment opportunities for Zambians.

Meanwhile, Prudential Life Assurance Zambia Limited Representative Gervase Phiri said the agency model allows qualified individuals to join Prudential and operate their own businesses while providing insurance services.

“Our agency model creates opportunities,” Mr Phiri said.

He said Prudential decided to participate in the expo to expose more Zambians to opportunities available in the insurance sector.

Mr Phiri said increasing the number of people working in the insurance industry would also help improve public awareness of insurance, whose penetration in Zambia remains low.

He said Prudential is committed to supporting Zambia’s economic growth by creating opportunities as the country’s middle class continues to expand.

This year’s Job Expo will be held under the theme “Where Talent Meets Opportunity” on October 16, 2026, at the Showgrounds Polo Field in Lusaka from 10:00 to 16:30 hours.