In Zambia, located in southern Africa, decent training opportunities for technical professions are only available to a minority of young people. With many vocational schools in the country lacking modern equipment and industry-aligned curricula, companies are finding it difficult to source qualified personnel.

Using develoPPP funds, DEG subsidiary DEG Impulse is currently co-financing a project by Liebherr Zambia Limited aimed at creating a comprehensive training programme specifically for technical professions. Liebherr Zambia, a subsidiary of Liebherr AG, supplies and services heavy construction and mining equipment such as excavators, dumpers, wheel loaders and bulldozers, while also investing in qualified young people to help drive its business expansion.

The project, which will run until December 2028, has a volume of approximately EUR 3.9 million, of which 50 percent will be provided through the develoPPP programme using funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with Liebherr Zambia investing an equal amount.

The plan is to develop and introduce three dual-structured training programmes in engineering and mechanics, combining hands-on training at Liebherr with classroom-based learning and developing competencies in green energy and sustainability, as well as to deliver up to twenty short-term training courses at the Fountain Gate Crafts and Trades School (FGCATS). To make this possible, modern, fully equipped training rooms will be built at the FGCATS campus in Chongwe, located east of Lusaka.

Marco Christ, Managing Director of DEG Impulse, emphasized at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new training center: “Highly qualified skilled workers are essential for economic development. We are delighted to be able to contribute to this modern, forward-looking training program and to open up new opportunities.”

Henri Wassink, Managing Director of Liebherr Zambia Limited, added: “At Liebherr Zambia, we believe that investing in young talented people is an investment in the future of our industry and our country. By combining classroom teaching with hands-on experience with our machines, we are helping to train a new generation of highly skilled technicians who will drive the sustainable growth of Zambia’s mining and construction sector.”

What’s more, to help make the programme more attractive to female applicants, co-financing will be provided for the renovation of a student residence for female trainees on the FCGATS site.

This project will make key contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education, gender equality and sustainable economic growth.

develoPPP Classic supports German, European and local companies with long-term, sustainable operations in a country in emerging markets that are seeking to expand their local operations. It is managed by DEG's subsidiary DEG Impulse.

Learn more about the programme.