With growing industrial demand across Zambia’s mining, construction, and automotive sectors, the need for highly skilled professionals has never been more urgent. Rising to this challenge is the Zambian Industrial Training Academy (ZAMITA), a public-private development partnership initiative between the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Technology and Science, and Volvo Group, funded by the Government of Sweden through Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and with the implementation support from United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). This partnership has redefined technical education and workforce readiness in skills demanded by the industry and is now extending capacities toward other technical centres across the country. 

At the heart of this effort is Northern Technical College (NORTEC), which has served as the anchor institution for ZAMITA and is responsible for the first and second phase of the Scaling-Up Training of Trainers (ToT) program. The program has been designed to strengthen Zambia’s network of vocational training centres by transferring advanced automotive and heavy equipment engineering technical expertise from NORTEC’s faculty, many of whom have received specialized training both locally and abroad, to ten additional vocational training institutions nationwide. 

Building National Capacity Through Hands-On Technical Training 

A major milestone was marked when NORTEC hosted the initial first phase of intensive training, focused on both electrical troubleshooting and hydraulic systems diagnostics covering fundamental and advanced levels. Trainers from across Zambia gathered to expand their technical acumen while sharpening their instructional skills, ensuring new capacities that will benefit their future learners from modern, industry-aligned instruction. 

Commenting on the training, Eng. Mark Mutimushi, Head of the Automotive and Heavy Equipment Repair Department at NORTEC, emphasized that the training of trainers program was not solely about mechanical expertise. “This is also about refining how we teach, how we think through technical problems, and how we build confidence in both ourselves and our students,” he remarked. 

Participants spoke passionately about the value of the program. Trevor Kabwita, a trainer from Solwezi Trades Training Institute (SOTTI), highlighted how the training bridged gaps between mechanical and electronic systems. “We now have a deeper understanding of how electrical and hydraulic components interact. The knowledge gained here will significantly improve our diagnostic accuracy,” he said. 

Kennedy Phiri from Mansa Trades Training Institute (MTTI) echoed those sentiments, saying, “This has expanded my capacity to work with modern control systems. Understanding how ECUs interact with hydraulic components is a game-changer in how we prepare our students.” 

Chiwaya Peter of Lusaka Business and Technical College noted that the training marked a major step forward in curriculum relevance. “We were trained to view vehicles not just as mechanical machines but as integrated systems,” he stated, expressing increased confidence in tackling modern automotive challenges. 

Ruth Safwali, a trainer from Lusaka Vocational and Technical College (LVTC), highlighted how the program has inspired her to become a change agent at her institution. “This training has genuinely elevated my confidence as a trainer. I now feel ready to enter the classroom and deliver lessons with clarity and assurance. It has deepened my understanding of both heavy-duty and automotive engineering, and I am inspired to propose the introduction of heavy-duty programs at our institution. But I won’t stop there, my first step will be to share what I have learned with my colleagues. That way, even in my absence, the knowledge continues to circulate. This is how we start to close the gap between what we teach and what the industry needs.”  

Aligning Training with Zambia’s Industrial Vision 

The positive appraisal of the Scaling-up ToT program by participants reflects the strong capacities created in NORTEC through ZAMITA, positioning the center as a technical reference that will continue delivering quality skilling programs in the country.  From a broader perspective, the training initiative signals a crucial investment in Zambia’s future workforce. According to Eng. Martin Kasonso, Principal of NORTEC, the country’s goal of tripling copper output by 2030 depends heavily on a technically capable workforce. “This program equips our trainers with tools to ensure mining equipment is maintained and operated at the highest standards,” he noted. 

One of the project’s strongest endorsements came from Volvo Group, whose commitment to education and workforce development continues to shape the initiative’s direction. Johan Reiman, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Volvo Group Headquarters, expressed enthusiasm about ZAMITA’s expansion to other institutions: 

“We see it as a very positive sign when it comes to replication, that some of our donated materials such as engines, are being shared with other educational institutions. These teachers will come to ZAMITA for training, delivered by ZAMITA trainers that we have helped prepare.
This is exactly the kind of systemic change we were aiming for. It’s a powerful evolution of the original program, and we hope to continue supporting ZAMITA.” 

Looking Ahead: Scaling Advanced Expertise Nationwide 

With the first four modules completed, the second phase of the program is already underway. It dives into more complex systems such as Electronic Fuel Injection Troubleshooting, Common Rail Direct Injection, and Planetary Gear Transmission Technology, among others. These advanced modules will equip trainers to keep pace with modern vehicle systems and innovations. 

As the final phase approaches, optimism remains high. The continued collaboration between public institutions, industry leaders, and development agencies is laying the groundwork for a more responsive, industry-aligned technical education system in Zambia. With each workshop, each skill gained, and each trainer empowered, ZAMITA is shaping the future of Zambia’s industrial workforce.