Skills audit and development minister Paul Mavima says his ministry is currently conducting an audit of the agriculture sector, while more sectoral skills audits will be rolled out in 2026.
Mavima told participants during the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) AI and Innovation Week 2025 that, as the ministry responsible for producing National Skills Audits, they were working to transform this process to create dynamic, continuously updated reports for planning, investment, and reforms in skills development.
“In the context of AI, skills auditing must answer decisive questions: How many data scientists, AI engineers, software developers, and digital product designers exist in Zimbabwe?
“How many artisans and technicians can work with sensors, drones, automation, and digital control systems? Where are our most critical skills shortages; is it in minerals beneficiation, digital infrastructure, health technologies, or advanced manufacturing?” Mavima said.
“And how do we align our education and training institutions and innovation hubs to respond quickly and effectively to our national priorities? Our objective is clear: to ensure that the skills audit becomes a catalyst for curriculum reform, for industrial alignment, and for targeted investment in the skills of the future.”
He added that the ministry was also committed to skills assurance: “ensuring that Zimbabwe\'s human capital is future-proof and fit for purpose”.
“We are promoting emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and automation; initiating the process for micro-credentials linked to industry; bridging rural-urban disparities in opportunity; engaging the diaspora; and ensuring that women and girls are fully represented in digital transformation,” Mavima said.
“The insights gathered from this Week will feed directly into these reforms.”
He called on industry, especially mining and technology, firms, to work closely with the ministry to define standards and absorb talent.
“To universities and TVET (technical and vocational education and training) institutions, let today\'s innovations guide your curricula. To hubs and incubators, continue providing mentorship and market linkage.
“Finally, to the youth, never stop learning, never stop building, never stop believing in the power of your ideas. Always remember that talent is a gift, but skill is a discipline. Discipline will take you further than talent alone,” Mavima said.
