Zambia’s Ambitious Copper Expansion at Risk Without Skilled Workforce
Zambia’s Copper Tripling Plan Moves to the Forefront — but Skills Gap Looms Large
Zambia’s ambitious plan to triple copper production by 2031 is now at the center of the nation’s economic agenda. The roadmap, developed jointly by the World Bank Group and the Government of Zambia, outlines how the country can harness its vast copper resources to drive growth and transform its economy.
Copper mining has been a cornerstone of Zambia’s economy for over a century, contributing about 15% of GDP and more than 70% of exports. Yet production has stagnated at roughly 800,000 metric tons per year since 1969.
The new roadmap signals a bold pivot — with major mining companies already investing heavily to make the goal a reality.
But while the vision of tripling production excites industry and policymakers, Zambia faces a critical challenge: ensuring it has a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of this unprecedented expansion.
Potential Job Creation
If production targets are achieved, direct mining employment could rise from approximately 56,000 jobs to 200,000, with an additional 300,000 indirect and induced jobs across the economy. These roles would range from technicians and artisans to engineers and managers.
Industry analysis indicates the mining workforce generally consists of:
60% technicians and skilled artisans such as equipment mechanics, welders, electricians, and haul truck drivers.
25% managers and professionals including mine managers, survey engineers, and metallurgists.
15% elementary workers such as laborers, security personnel, and general support staff.
Skills Shortages Threaten Growth
Zambia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system is not yet equipped to supply the technicians and artisans the expansion will require. Only a small percentage of TVET graduates currently meet industry needs.
Limited resources, few training institutions, and weak industry partnerships hinder capacity building, creating a risk that job growth could be undermined by a shortage of qualified workers.
Government and Industry Response
Experts suggest several strategies to strengthen technical training, including incentives for partnerships between mining companies and training institutions, public financing for industry-led training centers, establishing specialized centers of excellence, and expanding student loan programs for technical courses.
At the university level, Zambia’s Copperbelt University and the University of Zambia produce hundreds of mining engineering graduates each year. However, industry feedback indicates curricula and facilities need updating to align with evolving mining technologies and industry standards.
Downstream Value Addition Challenges
Beyond mining, Zambia has untapped potential in copper value addition — turning raw copper into products such as wiring, batteries, and photovoltaic panels. Globally, such downstream processing creates significantly more jobs, but Zambia’s operations remain limited and capital-intensive. Competing with established producers like China will require strengthening research, innovation, and skills development.
Attracting Youth and Women to Mining
Mining in Zambia also faces challenges in attracting youth and women. Changing perceptions of mining, improving workplace safety, and creating pathways into technical and leadership roles will be vital to expanding and diversifying the workforce.
A Critical Juncture for Zambia’s Copper Sector
Zambia stands at a pivotal moment. The country’s roadmap to triple copper output offers significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation. But without urgent action to strengthen skills development and industry partnerships, Zambia risks missing its chance to lead in the global copper market.
The government is working closely with industry and international partners to align education, training, and mining expansion, aiming to ensure that the copper boom translates into sustainable growth for Zambia.
