The Ministry of Technology and Science has officially handed over solar-powered irrigation systems to Chipata Trades Training Institute in Eastern Province, marking an important step toward strengthening practical skills development, climate-smart agriculture and agricultural productivity. The equipment was procured under the Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with financial support from the European Union Delegation to Zambia. The initiative is designed to give learners access to practical technologies that reflect the needs of modern agriculture and the wider labour market. The handover also highlights the growing connection between technical education, agricultural production, renewable energy and employment opportunities for young people. By placing modern irrigation equipment in the hands of learners, the programme aims to help develop people who can install, operate and maintain agricultural technologies while also participating in productive farming and agribusiness activities.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, expressed his pleasure at being in Eastern Province, particularly Chipata City, for the handover of the solar-powered irrigation systems. Speaking on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Habeenzu thanked the European Union and the ILO for their investment in skills development. He said the support demonstrates how Government, cooperating partners, industry and training institutions can work together to provide learners with appropriate tools and place production at the centre of skills development. The approach connects classroom learning with practical activities that can contribute to employment, enterprise development and economic production. It also demonstrates the potential for technical and vocational education and training institutions to become productive centres where learners develop skills through direct engagement with modern equipment.
Dr. Habeenzu described skills development as a production policy that speaks to Zambia’s Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan, the TEVET Policy and the Grow Zambia Agenda. He explained that the objective is not only to train people who understand technical concepts but also to produce a workforce capable of installing, maintaining and operating irrigation systems. Learners also need skills that allow them to irrigate crops, process agricultural products and participate in the sale of farm produce. This broader approach gives technical education a direct connection to production and income generation. It also creates opportunities for graduates to apply their technical knowledge in agriculture, renewable energy, horticulture, agro-processing and related areas.
Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, Dr. Habeenzu said Government has treated Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training, commonly known as TEVET, as infrastructure for transformation rather than an afterthought to the university system. He said this approach reflects a deliberate decision to invest in workshops, bursaries and employer-based training. Such investments can help training institutions provide learners with practical exposure that matches the technologies used in workplaces. The solar-powered irrigation systems at Chipata Trades Training Institute provide an example of how equipment can support competency-based learning. They also create a practical environment where students can gain experience with technologies that are increasingly relevant to agricultural production and climate-smart farming.
The Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme began with an institutional capacity assessment that examined governance, human resources, tools, equipment and infrastructure development across mining, agriculture, energy and tourism. According to Dr. Habeenzu, the findings support production targets under the Grow Zambia Agenda. He said these targets can be advanced through irrigation, mechanisation, climate-smart energy and people who have the ability to operate and maintain modern equipment. The assessment therefore provided a basis for identifying areas where training institutions could strengthen their capacity to deliver relevant skills. At Chipata Trades Training Institute, the solar-powered irrigation systems provide learners with an opportunity to develop technical competencies while supporting agricultural activities.
The Permanent Secretary also called for stronger workplace learning, apprenticeships and internships on commercial farms and agro-processing plants in Eastern Province. He emphasised the need for instructors to upgrade their knowledge in modern irrigation and horticulture so they can effectively train learners in changing technologies and production methods. He further called for technology transfer and joint production plans involving the institute, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development and off-takers who will purchase farm produce. These partnerships can help connect training, production and markets in a practical way. Stronger collaboration between training institutions and agricultural businesses can also give students a clearer understanding of how technical skills are applied throughout the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Habeenzu reaffirmed the Ministry of Technology and Science’s continued resource support to TEVET through the Skills Development Levy. He stated that K459.1 million has been set aside for skills development and K71.1 million for equipment for TEVET learning in the 2027 ceiling. He also said the completion of the TEVET Bill and implementation of the 2024 Entrepreneurship Strategy would empower graduates to register firms, cost jobs and provide services. These measures are intended to strengthen the link between training and opportunities for self-employment and business development. For graduates, the ability to combine technical competence with entrepreneurship can provide additional pathways into the labour market and productive enterprise.
Speaking at the same function, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Mr. Paul Benjamin Thole, represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape, highlighted the importance of agriculture to the province. Dr. Mwape said 60 percent of the population are small-scale farmers and noted that mechanisation is important for scaling up skills development and agricultural extension support. He echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of developing skills across many sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture. He commended the European Union and the ILO for supporting climate-smart agricultural solar-energy irrigation systems. He said the systems could help strengthen the Farmer Input Support Programme, improve food security and create wealth for farmers in Eastern Province, while also acknowledging Government investment in water-harvesting initiatives to support agricultural activities.
ILO Director and Country Representative for Zambia and Malawi, Mr. Wellington Chibeebe, said skills development is at the heart of the organisation’s work to improve employability. He noted that agriculture is the largest employer and provides livelihoods for many young people. The ILO supports competency-based training in irrigation, skills development and technology in crop production, agribusiness and livestock production. It is also supporting the formulation of a new curriculum incorporating smart agriculture. The focus on smart agriculture reflects the need for workers and entrepreneurs to understand technologies and production methods that can improve efficiency while responding to changing environmental conditions.
EU Head of Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, Ms. Paula Gasparini, said the Skills Development for Employability project plays an important role in improving productivity. She highlighted skills in irrigation systems, soil conservation and seed production as areas that can improve agriculture in Eastern Province. Ms. Gasparini encouraged continued dialogue and collective skills delivery that responds to market needs and supports economic growth. She also urged students to work hard, contribute positively to their communities, engage in strategic partnerships and invest in people for development. Her remarks placed the irrigation project within a wider effort to ensure that technical education responds to actual production requirements and changing labour market needs.
Dr. Ngosa said skills development must go beyond learning skills and obtaining qualifications. He urged the institution to properly manage and maintain the facility so that it can continue serving learners and the wider nation. He also emphasised the need for the institution to continue providing demand-driven skills required by the sector. Dr. Beene congratulated the Skills Advisory Committee for Chipata Trades Training Institute on the acquisition of practical skills-learning tools. He appreciated the European Union and the ILO for supporting the skills development agenda and stressed that training should translate into competency-based productivity, while also highlighting the importance of skilling and upskilling for teachers and workers.
Representing the Chipata District Commissioner, District Agricultural Officer Mr. Kapemba Sikazwe said the donation had arrived at an important time as the world experiences adverse weather patterns associated with climate change. He described solar-energy irrigation systems as an effective way of responding to the challenge through smart agriculture. Mr. Sikazwe said the development would strengthen skills transfer among learners and teaching staff while contributing to household productivity, income, nutrition and employability. He also stressed that agriculture should be treated as a serious business, with greater emphasis on value addition. The use of solar energy for irrigation can provide learners with practical exposure to renewable energy applications while supporting agricultural production and demonstrating how technology can be integrated into farming.
The Board Chairperson also welcomed the solar-energy irrigation systems and appreciated the advice given to the institution on using, managing and maintaining the facilities responsibly. He said the Institute would embrace the changes brought about by the new systems to maximise their benefits. Proper operation and maintenance will be important to ensure that the equipment continues to support training and agricultural production over time. The Board Chairperson also commended the European Union and the ILO for the successful implementation and delivery of the project to the institution. The remarks reinforced the importance of institutional responsibility in protecting investments made in technical education infrastructure and equipment.
In a vote of thanks, His Royal Highness Senior Chief Jumbe acknowledged the ILO and the European Union for their commitment to promoting decent work, sustainable livelihoods and green energy through the solar-powered irrigation systems. He expressed satisfaction that students would have an opportunity to graduate as innovators capable of contributing to Zambia’s economic development. He said the agriculture revolution is in the hands of today’s students and urged them to demonstrate their potential for the benefit of future generations. He also noted that the future of young people and the prosperity of the land depend on their skills and the sustainable use of water resources. His message captured the broader purpose of the project, which is to connect technical education with productive agriculture, responsible resource use, employment and long-term economic participation.
The handover of solar-powered irrigation systems to Chipata Trades Training Institute represents a practical connection between skills development, renewable energy and agricultural production in Eastern Province. The project gives learners access to equipment that can support hands-on training in irrigation, agriculture and related technical fields. It also reflects efforts by Government, the ILO, the European Union and other stakeholders to make TEVET more responsive to production and labour market requirements. The success of the investment will depend not only on the availability of the equipment but also on proper maintenance, instructor development, workplace learning, partnerships with industry and links to agricultural markets. If these elements remain connected, Chipata Trades Training Institute can use the irrigation systems as a platform for developing practical competencies that support employability, entrepreneurship, food production and sustainable agricultural development in Zambia.