Government Promotes Innovation And Stem Education As 2025 National Jets Fair Wraps Up
The Ministry of Education has successfully concluded the 2025 National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Fair, with sixty outstanding innovators remaining behind to attend an advanced two-weeks JETS Boot Camp at the National Science Centre, a unique opportunity to deepen their skills and explore scientific innovation further.
The event brought together students, teachers, and key stakeholders from across Zambia and marked a major step forward in the government’s drive to advance innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education nationwide.
Representing President Hakainde Hichilema, Minister of Education Hon. Douglas Syakalima reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to innovation, industrial growth, and modernization.
Mr. Syakalima highlighted ongoing initiatives focused on strengthening industrial clusters, establishing technology parks, and encouraging practical innovations to address national challenges.
“The JETS and Tertiary Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (TETS) programmes are equipping learners with skills to solve real-world problems in sectors like agriculture, health, renewable energy, manufacturing, and environmental management,” he explained.
He emphasized that these efforts are closely aligned with Zambia’s broader development objectives, especially those aimed at empowering young people and enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Mr. Syakalima also underscored the government’s investments in infrastructure, such as rural electrification and renewable energy projects, which help create a supportive environment for innovators.
Further, he noted that reforms in the education sector, including the introduction of competence-based curricula, are designed to ensure that learners develop relevant skills for the future job market.
Described as both a competition and a hub for innovation, the JETS programme continues to nurture Zambia’s future engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
The government plans to expand these initiatives by integrating select innovations into the National Science Centre’s educational resources and fostering stronger collaborations with industry and private sector partners.
Echoing this vision, Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Mutati praised the creativity on display, highlighting a young innovator who devised a unique solution using charcoal and local materials as an example of the youth’s potential to drive change.
Mr. Mutati also announced plans for a partnership between the National Science Centre and private companies to provide sustained support for emerging innovations.
Meanwhile, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana noted progress in aligning education with labor market needs, applauded the range of student projects presented at the fair, and confirmed government funding for two new dormitories at Mwembeshi STEM Secondary School to further support STEM education.
The fair concluded on a high note, celebrated as a success that demonstrates Zambia’s increasing commitment to harnessing science and technology for sustainable development.
Stakeholders such as the Zambia Research and Development center among others, expressed optimism that the innovations featured will significantly contribute to the country’s industrial and economic advancement.