The capacity enhancement meeting, which was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's National Productivity Development Department in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), took place from 26 to 28 August 2025 at Chipata's Protea Hotel.
The intervention is part of the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals (JSDG) Fund Project titled "Accelerating the Adoption and Deployment of Renewable Energy Technologies in Zambia."
Running from January 2025 to December 2025, the initiative is jointly implemented by the ILO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Eastern Provincial Planning Unit, and Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions.
The capacity enhancement meeting focused on improving MSME productivity, encouraging innovation, and strengthening competitiveness. The meeting also promoted collaboration between ministries and institutions to better support enterprise growth.
"This training has shown me how we can help MSMEs become more productive and competitive," said Ms. Mulenga Mutale, Labour Inspector from Vubwi District.
Ms. Mutale expressed a renewed commitment to supporting MSMEs as key drivers of Zambia's green economy.
"With the right support, these enterprises are poised to deliver sustainable energy solutions, create jobs, and build resilient communities across Eastern Province and beyond," she said.
© Allan Mulenga
Mr. Francis Pelekelo, Principal at Lundazi Trades Training Institute, shared: "I have always believed in the power of renewable energy, but I lacked the tools to teach it effectively. Now, I can help my students not only understand the technology but also see its potential to transform their communities."
© Allan Mulenga
Ms. Precious Mutema, Cooperative Entrepreneurship Officer from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development in Petauke District, found the programme empowering.
"Meeting others who are passionate about renewable energy and learning from experts has given me confidence. I now see a future where MSMEs can grow and help communities," Ms. Mutema said.
She added: "We have always supported MSMEs, but this programme helped me understand how renewable energy can be a catalyst for inclusive growth. I am excited to help entrepreneurs explore new opportunities."
© Allan Mulenga
Ms. Melody Mayamba, Planner from the Eastern Provincial Planning Unit, emphasized the importance of teamwork.
"Before this, we worked in silos. Now, we are talking about joint strategies and shared goals. That is powerful because these strategies will greatly contribute to environmental sustainability," Ms. Mayamba said.
She also highlighted the introduction of tools that would help MSMEs grow sustainably.
"These tools will track both environmental and social outcomes-linking carbon credits to real-life benefits such as improved nutrition," she said.
© Allan Mulenga
Ms. Mayamba noted that the workshop's initiatives contribute directly to Zambia's goal of achieving universal access to clean energy by 2030 and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Green Growth Strategy 2024 - 2030.
© Allan Mulenga
