NEW: Government’s skills audit to address workforce gaps

Jerry Chifamba

The Zimbabwean government is conducting a national skills audit to identify and fill critical workforce gaps, aiming to enhance efficiency across various sectors.

Addressing a week-long strategic workshop in Kwekwe, Skills Audit and Development Minister Professor Paul Mavima said the initiative seeks to evaluate the skills of employees and develop a robust human capital framework that meets national needs.

Prof Mavima revealed that significant progress has been made in assessing the quality of skills throughout the country.

“We have reached out to every sector of the economy, hosting 39 consultation meetings to engage stakeholders and gather insights,” he said.

The findings highlight existing skill deficiencies, corroborating data collected in 2018.

To tackle these gaps, the ministry is designing a targeted scholarship program that will prioritize funding in areas where the nation lacks expertise.

“We have analysed all scholarship arrangements in the country, and we now have a comprehensive report,” Prof Mavima added.

The next phase of the audit is scheduled to commence next year.

However, the Ministry has raised concerns regarding the need for sufficient resources to ensure timely completion of the audit.

As the Second Republic solidifies a foundation for domestic skills development, this ongoing audit is a crucial step toward building a competent workforce aligned with the goals of the National Development Strategy 1.