Zambia is preparing for a significant increase in copper production, with the government aiming to triple output by 2031. This expansion comes as global demand for copper rises and major mining companies such as Anglo American, First Quantum Minerals, Barrick, and Kobold invest in the country.
Currently, copper accounts for about 15% of Zambia’s GDP and over 70% of its exports. However, annual production has remained at around 800,000 metric tons since 1969. If the government’s targets are met, direct mining employment could rise from 56,000 to 200,000 jobs. An additional 300,000 indirect and induced jobs could also be created across the wider economy.
A recent Roadmap developed by the World Bank Group and the Government of Zambia analyzed the types of jobs that will emerge from this expansion and assessed whether local education institutions can supply enough skilled workers. The analysis found that most new roles will require technical or vocational qualifications. Globally, mine workforces typically consist of 60% technicians or craftspeople with TVET diplomas or certifications, 25% managers and professionals with degrees or diplomas, and 15% elementary workers with secondary education certificates.
The report identified a bottleneck in Zambia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. There are not enough institutions offering technician-level training due to high delivery costs. Most focus on less expensive craft programs. In addition, few public TVET institutions have strong partnerships with mining firms. In 2023, only about 800 students graduated from quality-assured institutions recognized by the mining industry; just one in five had qualifications needed for technician or artisan-level positions.
To address these gaps, the Roadmap suggests several measures: introducing incentives for collaboration between industry and training providers on curriculum development and apprenticeships; providing public financing through grants or vouchers for industry-led training centers; concentrating resources in specialized centers of excellence operated with industry involvement; and expanding student loan schemes to cover higher-level technical training.
At the university level, Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) produce graduates in mining engineering fields who are sought after both locally and internationally. CBU has been designated an African Centre of Excellence for mining with support from the World Bank. Still, concerns remain that curricula and facilities need updating to keep pace with technological changes in mining.
The Roadmap recommends that universities update their curricula to reflect new technologies, provide instructor training aligned with current industry practices, and expand work-based learning opportunities.
Downstream value addition—such as manufacturing wires or batteries—remains limited in Zambia due to competition from countries like China that have established markets supported by subsidies and a large pool of skilled engineers. Without significant investment in research capacity and targeted incentives for manufacturers, Zambia is likely to remain focused on upstream activities.
The sector also faces challenges attracting young people and women due to perceptions about working conditions in mining. The report notes efforts are underway globally to improve perceptions of mining careers by promoting safer workplaces and creating more pathways into technical roles for underrepresented groups.
"The World Bank Group is working with Government of Zambia and other African countries to harness energy transition minerals to drive inclusive and sustainable growth," according to the release. "The World Bank is also supporting the Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia to strengthen its skills development system in partnership with industry."
The Roadmap was produced by Elizabeth Ninan Dulvy, Martin Lokanc, Margo Hoftijzer.