Zambia has strengthened its skills development capacity in the mining and gemstone sector through the handover of modern gemmological equipment to the Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre (GPLTC) in Ndola. The initiative, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union (EU), aims to improve training quality, promote value addition, and enhance employability in the gemstone value chain.
The investment is part of the EU-funded Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP), which supports Zambia’s transition to competency-based education and training. It also includes specialized training for instructors in gemstone identification and grading, strengthening the centre’s capacity to deliver industry-relevant education.
ILO officials emphasized that skills development is a key driver of decent work, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic transformation. The organization noted that the new equipment will help build a more skilled workforce capable of supporting Zambia’s mining and gemstone industries, particularly in areas such as gemstone cutting, polishing, and certification.
Government representatives highlighted that the initiative aligns with national efforts to expand value addition in Zambia’s mineral sector. As one of the world’s leading producers of emeralds, Zambia aims to increase the economic benefits derived from its natural resources by strengthening technical skills and encouraging entrepreneurship within the gemstone industry.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting skills development partnerships, noting that investments in training and education are essential for improving employability and fostering long-term economic growth. Collaboration between government, industry, employers, and training institutions was also emphasized as a key factor in ensuring effective workforce development.
Employer and trade union representatives welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of linking training with real workplace needs. They highlighted that stronger cooperation between industry and training institutions is essential to ensure that graduates acquire practical, job-relevant skills.
The intervention is expected to be further strengthened by the development of a new competency-based diploma in gemmology, planned for rollout in 2026. This initiative represents a broader effort to align technical education with labour market demands and support sustainable economic development in Zambia’s mining sector.
