from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA has launched the Energy Skills for Youth (ES4Y) Project, an initiative anticipated to harness the power of its youth population and drive both its green and digital transformation.
Described as a project to empower local young people with practical future-proof skills to thrive in an evolving economy, ES4Y aims to deliver specialised skills in solar photovoltaic (PVC) technology.
“This is a sector with enormous potential for job creation, sustainable energy access and climate resilience,” Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Technology and Science.
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka on Monday, he said the ES4Y aligned with the realisation of the broader national goals under the National Development Plan, which prioritises skills development and job creation.
Zambia’s Vision 2030 also envisages the country as a prosperous middle -income country with a skilled labour force while the National Energy Policy promotes renewable energy access and local content in the energy sector and the attainment of sustainable development goals.
This project is being implemented at Luanshya Technical and Business College and Lusaka Vocational Training College.
ES4Y will equip at least 500 young people in its first phase with solar energy installation and maintenance skills, upgrade workshops, learning materials and instructor capacity. It will prioritise gender equality and rural inclusion.
“This initiative is also in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to create a skills-based, energy secure and export oriented economy where our youth are active contributors to national and regional value chains,” Habeenzu concluded.
– CAJ News