Zambia aligns education with tourism to boost skills and job creation

Lusaka, Zambia (ILO News) - The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to aligning education with tourism development to strengthen skills, create jobs and promote sustainable growth.

ZITHS students perform at the Fourth Summit in Lusaka.

Minister of Education, Dr. Douglas Syakalima, who represented President Hakainde Hichilema as Guest of Honour at the Fourth Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit organised by the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS), said the introduction of Travel and Tourism as a stand-alone subject marked a major milestone for the sector.

"The theme of this Summit resonates with our national aspirations and the President's directive to align education with national development needs," Dr. Syakalima said.

He said collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Tourism, particularly through ZITHS, has ensured that education responds to industry needs.

Dr. Syakalima noted that the inclusion of Travel and Tourism in the 2023 Education Curriculum Framework will equip secondary school learners with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship, while promoting Zambia's cultural heritage.

"This Summit provides a platform to align education, industry and policy so that tourism growth translates into quality jobs," he said.

Dr. Syakalima also directed the introduction of Tourism Education Clubs in primary and secondary schools and called for capacity building of teachers to effectively deliver the new subject.

Minister of Education Dr. Douglas Syakalima at delivers the key note address at the Summit in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba said tourism currently supports over 159,000 jobs and remains a key driver of growth under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

"The tourism sector has recorded significant progress, but our most valuable asset remains our people," Mr. Sikumba said.

He announced the completion of the conveyancing process for 160 hectares of land for ZITHS, which will host the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy in partnership with United Nations (UN) Tourism, and thanked the European Union (EU) and cooperating partners for their continued support.

The Summit also heard from UN Tourism Africa Regional Director Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, who said tourism is a critical driver of economic development and job creation across Africa.

She emphasised that expanding access to quality education is essential for the sustainable growth of the sector.

"Tourism is a key contributor to economic growth in Africa. We commend the organisers of the Summit for extending an invitation to UN Tourism," Ms. Grandcourt said.

UN Tourism Africa Regional Director Ms. Elcia Grandcourt speaks at the Summit in Lusaka.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), through Chief Technical Advisor, Mr. Todini Marecha speaking on behalf of Country Director Mr. Wellington Chibebe, stressed the importance of linking skills development to decent work outcomes.

"Skills development must translate into decent, productive and sustainable jobs," Mr. Marecha said.

ILO Chief Technical Advisor, Mr. Todini Marecha speaks at the Summit in Lusaka.

The European Union (EU), through Head of Co-operation, Mr. Claudio Bacigalupi, delivering remarks on behalf of EU Head of Delegation, Ms. Karolina Stasiak, reaffirmed support for Zambia's tourism sector and job creation through the EU-funded ILO Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP).

He described the programme as a game changer in enhancing employability for youths and women and commended the ILO for designing the National Apprenticeship Programme to shift training from content-based to competence-based skills.

"To attract investment, we need to build the capacity of the workforce," Mr. Bacigalupi said.

Head of Co-operation, Mr. Claudio Bacigalupi, delivering remarks at the Summit in Lusaka.