ILO and EU strengthen hospitality skills training in Zambia

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the European Union-funded Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme, has handed over hospitality training equipment worth K1.4 million (US$78,000) and supported the refurbishment of training facilities at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES).

The investment will strengthen practical training and help equip learners with skills relevant to Zambia’s growing tourism and hospitality sector. Students also participated in the refurbishment works as part of work-based learning and competency-based training.

Some of the modern hospitality training equipment handed over to the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES).

Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Southern Province Ms. Yolanta Mutyambe said the investment would contribute to developing the skilled workforce needed to support growth in the tourism industry.

“The value of this investment should ultimately be measured by the competencies learners acquire and their ability to secure employment, establish enterprises and improve service delivery,” she said.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Southern Province Ms. Yolanta Mutyambe officiates the event in Livingstone.

ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi Mr. Wellington Chibebe commended the European Union for financing the initiative, noting that the partnership is helping strengthen skills development and employability in Zambia.

“On behalf of the ILO, I sincerely thank the European Union for its continued support and partnership in strengthening skills development and employability in Zambia,” he said.

Mr. Chibebe said the investment reflects a shared commitment to equipping young people with industry-relevant skills and strengthening Zambia’s technical and vocational education and training system.

“This equipment is not only an investment in the future, but also an investment in the students’ career readiness,” he said.

Mr. Chibebe added that the intervention complements the National Apprenticeship Programme, which is preparing to place 250 apprentices in tourism-related occupations.

ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi Mr. Wellington Chibebe speaks at the event.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General Dr. Joy Beene called for stronger collaboration between industry and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, including through curriculum development, apprenticeships and workplace learning.

“Our ultimate objective must be a Zambia where every TVET institution has modern and appropriate training equipment and where every young person has the opportunity to acquire skills that lead to decent and productive employment,” Dr. Beene said.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General Dr. Joy Beene speaks at the event.

Representing employers, Zambia Federation of Employers Southern Province Vice President Mr. Hilary Kashempa welcomed the investment, saying stronger links between training and industry needs would help improve learners’ employability.

“ZFE expresses appreciation to the ILO through the Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme for its continued support to skills development, employability and decent work,” he said.

Zambia Federation of Employers Southern Province Vice President Mr. Hilary Kashempa speaks at the event.

LIBES Principal Mr. Geshome Malekani said the equipment would enhance practical training and improve the quality and industry relevance of graduates.

“The new equipment will strengthen practical training and improve the quality and industry relevance of our graduates,” he said.

Some of the General Hospitality Level One students at the handover ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of students, General Hospitality Level One learner Elizabeth Mbewe said the equipment and refurbished facilities would improve practical learning and better prepare students for careers in tourism and hospitality.

“As students, we promise to be good custodians of these facilities and equipment and ensure they contribute to our learning and skills development,” she said.

General Hospitality Level One student Elizabeth Mbewe speaks on behalf of students at the main campus.

The Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented with support from the ILO, seeks to strengthen the relevance and quality of skills development in Zambia by better aligning training with labour market needs and expanding opportunities for young people to acquire practical, industry-relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

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