As the world leans deeper into digital solutions, the ability of educational institutions to adapt has become more critical than ever. At the heart of Zambia’s Copperbelt region, Northern Technical College (NORTEC) is rising to the challenge, embarking on a capacity building initiative for digital transformation with the goal of reshaping how it delivers education. This change is being driven by the Zambian Industrial Training Academy (ZAMITA), a forward-looking project supported by the Swedish Government, Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia, Volvo and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to modernize skills training in Zambia. 

Digital Tools for a Modern Learning Environment 

NORTEC’s vision is ambitious but necessary: to connect every classroom with internet access and equip them with tools for audio-visual learning, recording, livestreaming, and content sharing. These improvements are not simply about adopting technology for its own sake—they’re about building a learning environment that meets the demands of the present and prepares for the uncertainties of the future. In a post-pandemic world, flexible learning is essential. NORTEC is moving toward a system where full-time, part-time, and remote learners all receive the same high standard of training regardless of their location. 

With this goal in mind, and with ZAMITA’s support, progress is already visible. After equipping the first digital classroom, a specialized training workshop was held in early 2025 for 15 staff members, run in collaboration with the Zambia Research & Education Network (ZAMREN). The sessions covered the use of Moodle, a leading open-source learning platform. The first module focused on administrative tasks, how to set up courses, manage users, configure the system, and track progress. The second module targeted end-users, introducing lecturers to Moodle’s interface, tools for creating course content, submitting assignments, and managing grades. These practical sessions gave staff a firm foundation in digital course delivery. 

Training Educators for a Digital Future 

“This shift is not just about bringing in new tools, it’s a complete rethink of how we teach and prepare students for what lies ahead,” explains Eng. Mark Mutimushi, who heads the Automotive and Heavy Equipment Engineering Department at NORTEC. “We’re focusing on more than infrastructure; it’s about empowering our educators through training and tools, modernizing our systems, and creating an environment where students can succeed in today’s digital world.” 

Trainers at the institution echo this optimism. Ms. Eunice Kakoma, one of the trainers who participated in the Moodle workshop, shared, “The training gave us hands-on experience with creating digital courses. It’s empowering to know we can now design, deliver, and even monitor student progress all through one integrated platform.” 

But that’s just the beginning. Through ZAMITA, support from a UNIDO digital learning expert is provided. After a first visit to assess the current installed capacities (classroom layouts, infrastructure needs, etc.) and how NORTEC can optimize its resources, a second in-depth training is planned to lead a pilot exercise of training content digitalization, review what’s working, identify gaps, and design long-term solutions. A five-day workshop will be conducted for a group of 15 staff, focused on building high-quality digital content from the ground up. Trainers will learn how to use NORTEC-specific templates, structure digital lessons, record video content using advanced cameras, build quizzes, and manage student accounts on the platform. 

A Long-Term Vision for Systemic Change 

Meanwhile, the digitalization classroom is already equipped with a pool of desktops to ensure learners always have access to the resources they need. Combined with internet connectivity across campus, this initiative is designed to remove barriers and give every student, regardless of background or learning format, the chance to succeed. 

While a complete digital overhaul may take time, what ZAMITA has offered NORTEC is far more than a temporary solution. It is a robust, strategic entry point into a digital education ecosystem that will shape the future of technical training in Zambia. The project is cultivating capacity and embedding digital competencies to redefine how vocational education is delivered in the region.