ZAQA DRIVES ENERGY SECTOR EXPANSION THROUGH NEW OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS

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Posted by admin on January 26, 2026 at 5:31 AM

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The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has launched the development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the energy sector; a move aimed at supporting government’s ambitious target of adding over 2,600 megawatts to the national grid by 2026.

ZAQA Director General Mrs. Mercy Ngoma emphasized that the new standards will serve as a blueprint for curriculum development and job descriptions, ensuring that graduates possess the exact skills demanded by the current labor market.

She said the initiative is mandated under the ZAQA Act No. 8 of 2024.It seeks to keep Zambian qualifications high-quality, relevant, and internationally comparable as the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation.

Mrs Ngoma highlighted that the workshop in Lusaka brought together experts from the Ministry of Energy, academia, and private industry to define competencies for six key occupations Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Policy Analyst, Nuclear Scientist, Smart Grid Technician, Energy Efficiency Specialist and Power Systems Engineer

These roles move beyond traditional competencies to address emerging fields such as nuclear science and grid modernization.

She added that the initiative aligns with the 8th National Development Plan, which identifies the energy sector as a pillar for sustainable growth.

“Since 2019, ZAQA has developed 91 National Occupational Standards across various sectors, including six existing energy standards such as Solar PV Installer and Bio Digester Plant Constructor.” She said.

Expanding this list is intended to bridge the skills gap, enabling the Zambian workforce to support energy diversification and long-term grid sustainability.

ZAQA is positioning Zambia’s workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring that the country’s energy expansion goals are matched with the right skills and competencies.