Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
Harare – ZIMBABWE’s Skills Retention Policy has received endorsement from the country’s industry and commerce sectors, with stakeholders committing to work hand-in-glove with institutions of higher learning to promote career development and economic growth.
The Zimbabwe Annual Career Development Conference provided a platform for government, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to engage on strategies aimed at addressing the skills gap and enhancing employment creation.
With Zimbabwe having experienced significant brain drain over the years, stakeholders agreed that identifying labour market trends is key to sustaining jobs in strategic sectors.
“This meeting is very pivotal in shaping the skills development agenda. So the partners are of the view that the future of the economy will largely depend on creating self-employment opportunities and focusing on how the skills retention can be sustained,” CEO of the National Blood Service Zimbabwe, Ms Lucy Marowa said.
“Career development is the hallmark of economic growth, taking into account the macroeconomic trajectory that has seen productive sectors working with institutions of higher learning in capacity building and partnerships with industry and commerce. This is the gateway to finding each other on the key aspects of sustaining the needs of the labour markets around the country,” Executive Director of the Institute of Career Development Zimbabwe, Mr Lovemore Tsvangira.
Government, through the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhance the country’s human capital base.
“It is no secret that Zimbabwe has one of the highest literacy levels in Africa. However, its skills level, employability, and adaptability remain very low. To remain internationally competitive in the context of the global economy, we must enhance our skills,” Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima said.
As Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now exceeds 40 billion United States dollars, the forthcoming National Development Strategy Two (NDS2) will focus on productivity and innovation to sustain economic growth and job creation.
- ZBCNEWS