Zimbabwe’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal sector, which employs over 60% of the workforce. However, traditional education systems often fail to acknowledge the skills acquired outside formal schooling.
Here’s why recognizing informal skills is crucial:
- High Failure Rates (70% O-Level Failures) – Thousands of youths leave school annually without certificates, limiting their formal employment opportunities. Informal skills recognition provides them with alternative pathways.
- Economic Contribution – The informal sector drives trade, agriculture, crafts, and services. Recognizing these skills boosts productivity and tax contributions.
- Reducing Unemployment & Poverty – Many youths are already engaged in trades (e.g., mechanics, tailoring, farming). Certifying these skills improves their earning potential.
- Global Trends – Countries like South Africa, India, and Kenya have implemented Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policies to integrate informal workers into the formal economy.
What Should Be Done with O-Level Failures? Where Do They Go?
Since 70% of O-Level learners fail, Zimbabwe needs a structured approach to ensure they still contribute meaningfully to the economy. Here’s what can be done:
- Skills Training & Vocational Pathways
– Expand TVET (Technical and Vocational Education & Training) programs for school leavers.
– Introduce short certification courses (e.g., welding, carpentry, ICT, agribusiness).
– Partner with industries (SEZ, mining, manufacturing) for apprenticeships.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Assess & certify informal skills (e.g., street vendors, artisans, mechanics).
– Create a National Skills Database to track competencies.
– Allow RPL-certified individuals to access loans, formal jobs, or further training.
- Entrepreneurship Support
– Provide microfinance & startup grants for youths in informal trades.
– Offer business management training for informal sector players.
– Encourage cooperatives (e.g., market vendors, small-scale miners).
- Policy Reforms
National Skills Audit to identify gaps and opportunities.
Informal Sector Formalization Strategy – Tax incentives, simplified registration.
Alternative Education Curriculum – Integrate skills training into secondary education.
Prof. Paul Mavima’s Call: “Every Skill Counts”
The Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Prof. Mavima, emphasizes:
✅ Non-academic youths must be absorbed into the economy – Not everyone needs a degree to succeed.
✅ Skills certification for informal workers – A mechanic with 10 years of experience should be recognized.
✅ Policy for Informal Sector Integration – Aligning informal skills with labor market demands.
A Skills-Based Economy is the Future
Zimbabwe cannot afford to ignore 70% of its youth who fall out of the academic system. By:
Recognizing informal skills,
Expanding vocational training, and
Creating policies for skills assimilation, the country can reduce unemployment, boost productivity, and achieve Vision 2030.