Kwambula Ignites a New Generation of Skilled Zambians as National Skills Competition Showcases Technical Talent

Beneath the noise of heavy equipment, electrical systems and sophisticated processing plants that define Zambia’s mining industry lies another, equally important asset: the skilled people who keep the industry moving.

Held from 29 to 31 July 2026 at the Kwambula Trades Training Institute in Solwezi, the National Skills Competition was billed by organisers as more than a contest.

Government officials and industry leaders said it marked a turning point in efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET), positioning skilled workers at the centre of Zambia’s industrialisation drive.

Skills at the Heart of Development

North‑Western Province Permanent Secretary Col. Grandson Wishikoti Katambi (Rtd.), in remarks delivered by Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi, told participants that investment alone does not create development.

“I am greatly honoured to grace today’s Kwambula National Skills Competition aimed at showcasing the technical ability of our esteemed trainees and competitors.

This event is a celebration of the skilled workforce that is helping transform North‑Western Province into one of Zambia’s fastest‑growing economic regions,” Katambi said.

He reminded the audience that while mineral wealth attracts investors, it is the skills of Zambians that transform investment into tangible progress.

“When you see a road being constructed, a school being built, a hospital expanded, a mine operating safely, and every local business serving our communities, just know that behind all that are people who possess practical skills and technical expertise from various TEVET institutions dotted around the country.”

Katambi stressed that skills development remains central to Zambia’s development agenda, citing President Hakainde Hichilema’s inclusion of training under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). “North‑Western Province has become a shining example of how investment in technical and vocational education and training can accelerate economic growth while creating opportunities for local communities,” he said.

Industry and Institutions Join Forces

The competition featured trainees from institutions including Mansa Trades Training Institute, Northern Technical College, Lusaka Business and Technical College, Kabwe Institute of Technology, Solwezi Trades Training Institute, Kwambula Trades Training Institute, Luanshya Technical Business College, Lukashya Trades Training Institute, Kitwe Trades School, Sino Zam College of Science and Technology, Lumwana Mining Company, Saint Mawaggali Trades Training Institute, Lusaka Vocational and Technical College and Kafue Gorge Regional Training Center.

Representing the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), Registrar and CEO Eng. David Kamungu said the event underscored the importance of technicians in the engineering value chain. “Engineering is not built by engineers alone,” he said. “Behind every project are technicians, technologists and craftspeople who make designs a reality.”

Kamungu stressed that Zambia’s industrialisation will depend on welders, fitters, electricians and riggers as much as on engineers.

EIZ is complementing this effort with projects such as the Kalumbila Centre of Excellence, aimed at deepening collaboration between training institutions and industry.

A Decade of Investment

Kwambula was established in 2012 through a partnership between First Quantum Minerals, Kansanshi Mining PLC, the Government of Zambia and TEVETA.

According to Webby Makoloni, Lead of the Kwambula Training Centre, Kansanshi has invested over US$1.5 million annually in the programme, supporting more than 760 young people. So far, 512 have graduated while 248 remain in training.

Of the graduates, 145 have been female, representing about 28 percent a deliberate effort to increase women’s participation in trades traditionally dominated by men.

“Diversity is not just a social objective,” Makoloni noted. “It is part of building the workforce Zambia needs.”

Katambi echoed this in his speech: “I am particularly encouraged to see that more young women are embracing technical careers that were once considered the preserve of men.

Their participation demonstrates that talent and determination know no gender. An inclusive workforce is essential for sustainable economic growth.”

Training Aligned With Industry

Kwambula’s three‑year programme combines classroom learning, workshop practice and workplace exposure.

Trainees specialise in instrumentation, electrical, mechanical fitting, machining, automotive electrical and rigging.

The competition reflected this model, with participants judged not only on technical ability but also on safety awareness, teamwork and discipline.

Simon Keevil, Kansanshi Foundation Manager, speaking on behalf of Kansanshi Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen, underscored the importance of competence in industry operations:

“Equipment can be purchased, but true operational safety, efficiency and sustainability are driven entirely by the skill, dedication and precision of our people,” Keevil said, delivering Kottgen’s remarks.

Safety and Standards

Safety was a recurring theme. Trainees were required to demonstrate proper risk assessment, use of protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures.

Katambi urged competitors to remain disciplined: “The true mark of a skilled professional is not only technical ability but also integrity, teamwork, continuous learning and above all, a commitment to safety.

Whether you receive a medal today or not, you have already taken an important step towards becoming the skilled workforce that will continue to build this province and our nation.”

Industry officials said the emphasis on safety reflects the realities of modern mining, where massive excavators, high‑voltage systems and automation demand disciplined technicians.

Pathways Beyond Solwezi

Top performers from the competition are expected to represent Zambia at the WorldSkills Africa competition in Algeria later this year.

 Organisers said the event is intended to become an annual fixture, providing a national platform for technical skills.

Makoloni described the ambition as creating a “Premier League‑style” contest for trades, giving Zambia’s best technicians a stage to showcase their abilities.

He also praised institutions that travelled long distances to participate, saying their commitment demonstrated the national importance attached to strengthening Zambia’s TVET system.

Beyond the Mine

Kwambula’s significance extends beyond mine operations. Its graduates are equipped for roles across construction, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Katambi emphasised that partnerships between government, industry and training institutions are essential to translate skills into jobs and stronger businesses.

“Together, we are proving that the future of North‑Western Province will not be defined solely by the resources beneath our soil, but by the knowledge, skills, innovation and determination of our people,” he said.

For First Quantum Minerals, the centre is part of its contribution to Zambia’s long‑term development. The company sees Kwambula as a platform for turning local talent into globally competitive professionals.

A Shared Vision

The competition highlighted a shared vision:

• Government sees TVET as central to development.
• EIZ views technicians as indispensable to engineering.
• FQM sees skills as fundamental to safe, productive mining.

Kwambula brings these interests together. As Zambia expands mining, infrastructure and manufacturing, demand for skilled technicians will continue to grow.

Igniting Hope, Building Futures

For the young competitors in Solwezi, the three‑day event was about more than medals. It was about proving themselves, gaining confidence and stepping into Zambia’s industrial future.

Kwambula may mean “igniting hope,” but its ambition is larger: to turn that hope into skills, careers, businesses and a stronger national economy.