Zambia’s Journey to Hosting Africa’s Premier Skills Event Gains Momentum at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, as Continental and Global Partnerships Strengthen the Vision for Vocational Excellence.
As the countdown to WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 begins, Africa’s commitment to skills development was highlighted during the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, held from September 10 to 15, 2024. This global event, which brought together 1,400 competitors from almost 70 countries, showcased excellence in vocational skills while drawing leaders from industry, education, and government to discuss the future of skills on a global scale.
For Zambia, led by Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, Lyon was a key opportunity to forge partnerships and gather insights in preparation for hosting WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 (WSAL2025). Set to take place in April 2025, this event will be Africa’s premier platform for showcasing young talent and advancing the continent’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems.
During a panel discussion in Lyon titled “Raising the Bar: How do we create Excellence in every TVET system,” Hon. Mutati emphasized Zambia’s commitment to enhancing the quality of its TVET systems through collaboration with the private sector and international partners. He explained that the Zambian government is working with industry leaders to develop a curriculum that responds to evolving market needs. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce TVET degree programs to make vocational training a more attractive and viable career option for young people.
Zambia’s commitment to vocational training is reflected in its significant progress in increasing enrollment in TVET institutions. Hon. Mutati highlighted a remarkable 300% increase in enrollment, a result of strong political will and increased funding to TVET institutions. This surge in enrollment, coupled with enhanced funding, has laid the foundation for a transformative skills development ecosystem in the country. “Our goal is to transform the perception of vocational education and create an environment where young people see TVET as the pathway to success,” Mutati said.
Precious Lisulo, Project Manager for WSAL2025, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of integrating traditional African skills with modern technologies. She emphasized the event’s vision of celebrating Africa’s unique identity by showcasing indigenous skills such as basketry, fishing, and thatching, alongside emerging technologies. “It takes a village to raise a child; it takes skills to build the future we want,” Lisulo said, pointing out that this holistic approach is essential for Africa’s future development.
The Zambian delegation’s mission in Lyon was not only about building local capacity but also fostering continental unity in embracing the WorldSkills movement. AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Mohammed Belhocine, underscored the importance of collaboration among African Union (AU) member states, urging them to work together to make WorldSkills Africa a success. “The African Union remains dedicated to enhancing TVET, and we see WorldSkills Africa as an essential platform for showcasing the potential of our youth,” Professor Belhocine said.
His call was supported by Dr. Symerre Grey Johnson, Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), who encouraged African countries to actively participate in WSAL2025. Countries such as South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe have already pledged their involvement in the event. “The time is now for Africa to harness the potential of its youth through skills development,” Dr. Johnson remarked. Meanwhile, Cleophas Takaiza, Director of TEVETA and Official Delegate for Zambia, extended a formal invitation to all African member states to join WSAL2025. He also called on the media to support the movement, stating, “By participating in WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025, member states will help shape the future of skills development and innovation in Africa.”
The momentum for WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 continued to build, with support from global entities and champions. WorldSkills Champions Trust representative Mihle Mvelakubi, a former competitor in bricklaying at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, expressed the Trust’s full commitment to supporting WSAL2025. He emphasized the importance of positioning skills development at the forefront of Africa’s economic transformation. “We are fully behind WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 and are working closely with the organizing committee to ensure Africa has a successful and impactful skills competition,” Mvelakubi said. This collaboration is seen as essential for Africa’s future, especially in developing vocational skills to drive economic growth.
Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills International, reinforced the global support for Africa’s skills development agenda. He noted that WorldSkills has the expertise to assist African nations in building robust TVET systems, offering capacity-building programs, curriculum development, and regional initiatives. “WorldSkills showcases the role skills play in strengthening industries and economies, and this is a vital opportunity for Africa to be part of that global conversation,” Humphries concluded.
With the construction of the competition venue at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES) well underway, and more African nations confirming their participation, the stage is set for WSAL2025 to be a transformative event for the continent. Minister Mutati expressed optimism, stating, “We are confident that WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 will leave a lasting legacy for Africa’s skills development.”
Scheduled for April 7-12, 2025, WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 will bring together over 400 competitors from 15 African countries to showcase their talents. This landmark event will not only highlight the importance of skills development in addressing Africa’s economic challenges but also serve as a platform for driving excellence across the continent. It aims to position vocational skills as a critical factor in economic transformation, both regionally and globally.
In conclusion, WorldSkills Africa Livingstone 2025 will be a defining moment for Africa’s future, marking a significant step in elevating the continent’s skills agenda. Through partnerships, collaboration, and the support of the global WorldSkills movement, Africa is poised to unlock the full potential of its youth and pave the way for a prosperous future through skills excellence.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
