Online Reporter
Professor Paul Mavima
AS the world faces rapid economic shifts, the importance of human capital — defined as the collective skills, knowledge and health of a population — has never been more evident than in this generation.
Zimbabwe, just like the rest of the African continent, stands at a crucial juncture requiring that we be decisive on the matter of skills and human capital development if we are to truly be the new frontier of global growth.
The continent is expected to account for 85 percent of the global increase in working-age individuals by 2050, according to the 2024 edition of Africa’s Development Dynamics.
With this burgeoning workforce, the potential for economic transformation is immense, but only if Africa invests strategically in skills and human capital development.
By taking deliberate action and intensifying investment in skills and human capital development, Zimbabwe can scale new heights in productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
This will yield optimal levels of macro-economic transformation, leading to the industrialisation and modernisation of both rural and urban economies.
Importance of skills, human capital development
Skills and human capital development are the most crucial factors of a nation’s economic trajectory.
Skills development ensures that individuals can perform effectively in the workforce and directly impacts national productivity, innovation and wealth generation.
Investing in education, training and health does not merely improve individuals’ living standards, but it also translates to broader national development.
Workers who are well-educated and equipped with relevant skills tend to perform tasks more efficiently and can easily adapt to new technologies.
As most economies are adopting disruptive technologies, those with the right skills can create and implement innovations that improve productivity.
Human capital development is also a powerful tool for reducing inequality.
Inclusive education provides marginalised individuals with opportunities to improve their social and economic standing.
By prioritising education and skills development for all, nations create a more inclusive society where benefits of economic growth improve the quality of life for all whilst making significant strides in addressing economic disparities and fostering social stability.
A skilled workforce is fundamental in fostering innovation.
In today’s ever-changing, fast-paced, knowledge-driven economy, creativity and critical thinking skills drive business sustainability and national competitiveness.
Countries with a strong focus on research and development (R&D) tend to be at the frontier of technological advancements and industrial innovation.
Global best practices in skills, human capital development
Globally, several countries such as Finland, South Korea and Singapore are successfully implementing skills and human capital development strategies that have seen these countries leapfrog themselves from poverty to be among the biggest economies in the world.
Finland is renowned for its world-class education system that emphasises inclusivity, teacher quality and lifelong learning.
The country’s education policies focus on equity, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education.
Finland’s commitment to continuous professional development for teachers has led to a well-prepared workforce, driving innovation and competitiveness.
Its strong education system, complemented by a focus on health and social services, has greatly contributed to the nation’s overall economic growth and stability.
It has consistently maintained a per capita gross domestic product (GDP) higher than the global average.
For example, in 2022, its per capita GDP was US$53 111, whereas the global average was only US$10 589.
South Korea has transformed from a war-torn country in the 1950s into one of the world’s leading economies through sustained investments in education and workforce development.
With a focus on technical and vocational training, South Korea has created a skilled workforce capable of supporting high-tech industries, from electronics to biotechnology.
Its investment in education and workforce development has resulted in the country being home to global manufacturing and innovation giants such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo, which have claimed their position in the global market and are thriving in high-end technologies and innovation.
The country, with meagre natural resources, has used its competent and skilled human capital to maintain pole status in the electronics field, oil processing, ship building, coffee manufacturing and cutting-edge research and innovation.
This way, South Korea has risen from a GDP per capita of only US$6 in 1953 to US$37 500 in 2021, becoming one of the leading economies in the world.
Singapore has established itself as a global economic powerhouse by focusing on building a knowledge economy.
The government invests heavily in higher education and R&D, while also promoting lifelong learning and continuous skills upgrading for its citizens.
This has assisted the country to remain highly competitive, attracting global investment and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem.
The country has transformed itself from being a tiny and backward British harbour to become a regional centre for big multinationals.
Human capital development accounts for the phenomenal growth.
Addressing skills shortages, bridging skills gaps
Zimbabwe should learn important lessons from the above international best practices.
While the nation has done well in the development of basic education, achieving pole literacy position in Africa, it needs to sustain its focus on building critical skills and competencies for its human capital.
The entire education system needs to be oriented to the delivery of both technical and soft skills and competencies to drive industrialisation, productivity and competitiveness. Given the country’s per capita natural resource endowment, which is among the top in the world, such a focus is guaranteed to enable the country to leapfrog its economic development leading to the achievement of Vision 2030 or even better socioeconomic development in a short space of time.
The 2018 National Critical Skills Audit and recent nationwide skills landscape assessments conducted by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development pointed to critical shortages and gaps in skills availability for effective implementation of Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 and 2.
The skills shortages and gaps adversely affect progress in the industrialisation and modernisation drive the country is committed to achieving.
The country is also facing a dual challenge of a mismatch involving the skills needed by employers and those possessed by the workforce and insufficient decent job opportunities that have led to skills flight to regional and international destinations.
To address these challenges, Zimbabwe must continue to develop education systems that ensure the provision of skills that meet the demands of industry and prepare the country to competitively participate in today’s ever-changing technologically and knowledge-driven global economy.
The growth projections of our economy are positive.
However, our success depends on how well the nation harnesses its human capital potential to transform itself into a modern industrialised economy.
With its already well-developed basic education system, Zimbabwe has the wherewithal to become a continental hub for the delivery of skills and competencies that will transform Africa into a global economic powerhouse.
To realise this potential, the following initiatives need to be vigorously pursued:
Promoting technical and vocational education and training (TVET): Technical and vocational education is crucial for preparing workers for high-demand sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital technology.
TVET programmes should be closely linked with the private sector to ensure that the curriculum aligns with current demands of the labour market. TVET feeds the skills appetite of economic initiatives at the bottom of the pyramid.
Such skills will be critical for rural transformation. As such, our technical and vocational training institutions need to be capacitated with optimal infrastructure (workshops and cutting-edge technology), human capital (trainers and administrators) and teaching and learning materials to deliver the needed quality and quantity of skilled human capital at that level. Governance systems at the institutions should be strengthened.
Investing in education and teacher training: To build a skilled workforce, Zimbabwe must prioritise education funding. Appropriate funding levels will allow the country to equalise opportunities for all learners in the county. Educational infrastructure should meet minimum standards in both urban and rural areas.
Children in Binga and Dotito should have the same minimum standards as those in Harare and Bulawayo. Teacher training modules should be constantly updated to ensure adaptability to fast-changing global trends. Teaching and learning materials should be above minimum basic standards.
Investing in research and development: The Government and the private sector must complement each other by increasing investment in R&D to ensure the development of new ideas in economic undertakings that can contribute to economic growth and real job creation.
There should be consistent talks among the Government, training institutions and the private sector on how best to drive the fundamental research and innovation that will propel the country to higher levels of business start-ups and productivity in new and old enterprises.
Government funding should be complemented with private sector funding that should be directed at critical areas of research and development by our institutions of higher education. Our universities should run a system of endowed professorships for critical areas.
Embracing digital skills and innovation: Widening the provision of digital skills training countrywide is crucial to transforming the lives of people, especially those who are furthest left behind. This includes not only basic computer literacy but also advanced skills in fields such as software development, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through increased access to digital tools will stimulate economic growth. Flexible training facilities should be made available to all citizens with talent and passion. Such skills should result in job and entrepreneurial opportunities within and outside our borders.
Strengthening public-private partnerships: Collaboration between governments and the private sector in skills development will enhance employability skills. Our country can ensure that training programmes reflect current job market needs and workers are equipped with relevant practical, job-ready skills through partnering with industry.
Promoting inclusivity: Investing in skills development for marginalised groups, especially women and the youth, and those in informal employment and the disabled can drive inclusive economic growth.
By creating training opportunities that recognise skills gained through informal work and certifying them, Zimbabwe can help these workers transition from the informal economy where there are decent work deficits such as hazardous work environments, poor rewards and lack of social protection.
A call to action
The development of human capital is one of the most powerful levers for promoting economic growth and national prosperity.
Investing in skills and human capital development means investing in the future of Zimbabwe and its citizens.
Zimbabwe can leverage high literacy levels that are currently obtaining and enhance its efforts in skills development by learning from global best practices and implementing targeted skills development strategies that can build a skilled workforce which drives economic growth, reduces inequality and fosters social stability.
The opportunity to harness Zimbabwe’s full potential is within reach — right investments are needed today to build a prosperous tomorrow.
Prof Paul Mavima is the Minister of Skills Audit and Development. He wrote this article for The Sunday Mail.
