Inauguration Ceremony of the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Workshop at the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre
2026/3/30
On 25th March, 2026, Ambassador Mikami attended the inauguration ceremony of the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Workshop located at the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre in Kitwe. Under "the Project for Promoting Youth Employment through Skills Training in Construction Machinery Operation", funded by the Government of Japan, amounting to approximately 3.6 million USD, has been carried out as a public-private partnership, uniting the Governments of Japan and Zambia, UNIDO, and Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia.
This project aims to develop young skilled professionals in response to the increasing demand for skilled operators of heavy machinery and other construction equipment in the mining sector, driven by strong economic growth. By establishing the workshop in Kitwe, the key mining hub, the project supports the Zambian government’s efforts in continuously and effectively providing skills training for the young people.
The ceremony was attended by Honourable Elisha Matambo, Minister of Copperbelt Province, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Saito Nobuhiko, President of Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia and senior officials from UNIDO and others.
Honourable Minister Matambo highlighted that the project reflects the Zambian government’s commitment to driving economic growth and job creation through skills development, with a strong focus on technical education and vocational training. He noted that the development of a skilled workforce is vital for national prosperity, particularly in supporting the revitalization of the mining sector.
Ambassador Mikami highly praised the collaboration among the involved organizations, noting their effective use of each party’s strengths. He expressed his hope that even after the ODA grant aid ends, heavy equipment operator training would be sustainably maintained by the Zambian government and related organizations, leading to stable employment opportunities for young people, and ultimately contributing to the growth of the private sector and the Zambian economy.
This project aims to develop young skilled professionals in response to the increasing demand for skilled operators of heavy machinery and other construction equipment in the mining sector, driven by strong economic growth. By establishing the workshop in Kitwe, the key mining hub, the project supports the Zambian government’s efforts in continuously and effectively providing skills training for the young people.
The ceremony was attended by Honourable Elisha Matambo, Minister of Copperbelt Province, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Saito Nobuhiko, President of Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia and senior officials from UNIDO and others.
Honourable Minister Matambo highlighted that the project reflects the Zambian government’s commitment to driving economic growth and job creation through skills development, with a strong focus on technical education and vocational training. He noted that the development of a skilled workforce is vital for national prosperity, particularly in supporting the revitalization of the mining sector.
Ambassador Mikami highly praised the collaboration among the involved organizations, noting their effective use of each party’s strengths. He expressed his hope that even after the ODA grant aid ends, heavy equipment operator training would be sustainably maintained by the Zambian government and related organizations, leading to stable employment opportunities for young people, and ultimately contributing to the growth of the private sector and the Zambian economy.