Explore degree versus skills in Zambia, what’s changing, what’s working, and how youth can prepare for a fast-evolving job market.
Understanding the Degree Versus Skills Debate
The conversation around degree versus skills has become one of the most important discussions in Zambia today. As the job market changes, more young people are wondering whether it’s smarter to pursue a traditional university degree or to build practical skills that directly match what employers need. This debate isn’t new, but the pace of change in Zambia’s economy has made it more urgent than ever.
For decades, society placed tremendous value on formal education. Getting a degree was seen as a clear path to a stable job, a good income, and respect within the community. And while this still holds true in many fields, the reality on the ground is shifting. Many employers have begun stating openly that they prefer workers who can do the job rather than those who simply have academic qualifications.
Why the Debate Matters in Zambia Today
Zambia has a youthful population, with thousands of new graduates entering the job market every year. Unfortunately, job creation has not kept pace with this growth. This has led to:
- High youth unemployment
- Underemployment (graduates working jobs unrelated to their degrees)
- A growing informal sector
Because of this, Zambian youth are increasingly exploring alternative pathways—such as entrepreneurship, vocational training, and digital skills—to support themselves and build careers.
Families are also changing their expectations. While degrees still carry prestige, parents are becoming more open to their children pursuing hands-on skills that offer real opportunities.
The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring in Zambia
Over the last decade, more Zambian industries have shifted toward valuing competence over credentials. Employers are asking questions like:
- Can you code?
- Can you repair this?
- Can you manage social media pages?
- Can you run a farm or operate this machine?
- Can you design or install something?
ICT and the Digital Economy
The ICT sector in Zambia is booming, with high demand for:
- Web developers
- Cybersecurity technicians
- Graphic designers
- Digital marketers
- Mobile app developers
Many of these professionals are self-taught or trained via online courses rather than university degrees.
Blue-Collar Skills vs. White-Collar Degrees
Jobs in construction, plumbing, agriculture, hospitality, and mechanics are often more stable and profitable than some degree-based jobs. Skilled tradespeople in Zambia sometimes earn more than university graduates.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Degrees
Where Degrees Still Matter
Some careers require strict professional regulation, including:
- Medicine
- Law
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Education
- Accounting
These fields depend on deep theoretical knowledge, licensing, and accreditation.
Limitations of Being Degree-Dependent
Some graduates face:
- Outdated curricula
- Lack of practical exposure
- Fewer internship opportunities
- Oversaturated job markets
This creates a mismatch between what universities teach and what employers need.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Skills-Based Careers
Benefits of Skills
Skills often lead to:
- Immediate job opportunities
- Faster learning timelines
- Practical entrepreneurship options
- Lower training costs
- Hands-on experience
Challenges
Skill-based workers may struggle with:
- Lack of certification
- Limited access to equipment
- Difficulty attracting high-paying clients
- Social stigma around manual or informal work
What’s Changing in Zambia’s Hiring Landscape
Big shifts are happening in both the private and public sectors.
Government & NGO Programs
Several initiatives promote technical and vocational training:
- TEVETA programs
- Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries
- Youth empowerment grants
- NGO skill-development centers in rural and urban communities
These efforts help young people gain practical skills like carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and agribusiness.
Technology Is Leveling the Playing Field
With smartphones and cheap data bundles, a young person can now learn:
- Coding
- Marketing
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Video editing
- Forex
- Farming techniques
- Business management
Online platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Udemy are becoming “digital universities.”
What’s Working: Blending Degrees and Skills
The future doesn’t belong to one side of the debate—it belongs to people who combine degrees with practical skills.
For example:
- A business graduate who learns digital marketing
- A teacher who learns coding
- A farmer who learns agritech
- A nurse who learns data analytics
Hybrid talents are becoming the most employable and the most entrepreneurial.
FAQs About Degree Versus Skills
1. Is a degree still important in Zambia?
Yes, especially in fields that require professional accreditation such as medicine, teaching, and law.
2. Can skills alone help me succeed without a degree?
Absolutely. Many young Zambians earn a living through skills like tailoring, graphic design, photography, or construction.
3. Which is cheaper—skills training or university?
Skills training is generally much more affordable and faster.
4. What skills are in highest demand in Zambia right now?
Digital skills, construction skills, agricultural skills, and hospitality skills.
5. Should I do both a degree and skills?
Yes, combining the two gives you a big advantage in today’s competitive market.
6. Where can I learn skills online in Zambia?
Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable training. (External link: https://www.coursera.org)