Press Release
Zambia charts new course for tourism skills development at national workshop in Livingstone
Over 50 stakeholders from across Zambia’s tourism sector have convened in Livingstone for a landmark Tourism Sector Technical and Policy Foresight Workshop, supported by the European Union-funded International Labour Organization’s Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP) in partnership with the Government of Zambia.
27 June 2025
Livingstone, ZAMBIA (ILO News) - The workshop, guided by the ILO’s Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) approach, aims to identify the most critical skills needed in the tourism industry and develop a comprehensive Tourism Sector Skills Strategy to enhance employability, innovation, and competitiveness.
The three-day workshop, which took place from 25 to 27 June 2025, was held at Livingstone’s Protea Hotel.
Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, officiated the event alongside Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
In his keynote, Dr. Habeenzu emphasized the need for a “skills revolution” to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.
“Let us build a tourism sector that marries our rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, creating decent jobs and positioning Zambia as Africa’s next smart-tourism destination,” said Dr. Habeenzu.
Mr. Luhanga echoed the call for strategic investment in skills development to address challenges such as seasonality, changing consumer preferences, and workforce adaptability.
ILO Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Mr. Wellington Chibebe urged stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap for the sector’s skills strategy, highlighting the ILO’s commitment to supporting inclusive and youth-focused job creation.
Representatives from the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE), Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), and the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) also voiced strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the sector’s potential for job and wealth creation.
“Our industry is faced by the widest skills and knowledge gaps. Addressing those gaps brings the opportunity to create the much-needed jobs and wealth in our communities,” said ZITHS Chairperson Ms. Mulemwa Moongwa.
The workshop marks a significant step toward aligning Zambia’s tourism development with national employment strategies and global trends in green and digital transformation.