Story by Abigirl Tembo
HARARE – ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to close the gap between education and employment through a National Consultative Workshop on the proposed Career Guidance Policy Framework.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, seeks to establish a structured, inclusive, and nationwide approach to career guidance, better aligning the country’s education system with the evolving demands of the labour market.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, civil society, and development partners to chart a way forward for a more responsive education-to-employment pathway.
Speaking during the workshop, Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, underscored the urgent need for Zimbabwe to embrace structured career guidance in light of global and local labour market shifts.
“We meet at a time of rapid transformation, technological innovation, shifting economic priorities, and the emergence of new industries are fundamentally changing the world of work. For Zimbabwe to thrive in this dynamic environment, we must ensure that our people, especially the youth, are equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with guidance to make informed, strategic decisions about their careers.
“Career guidance is not a luxury it is a necessity. It is the bridge that connects education to employment, and aspirations to achievements. When structured and accessible, career guidance empowers individuals to discover their strengths, understand labour market trends, and pursue pathways aligned with both personal ambition and national development priorities,” he said.
Professor Mavima acknowledged that, despite Zimbabwe’s strong education tradition, career guidance services remain fragmented, inconsistent, and inaccessible to many learners, particularly those in rural and marginalised areas.
This has led to skills mismatches, high youth unemployment, and limited awareness of career options.
The proposed policy aims to address these challenges by institutionalising career guidance at all levels of the education system, while ensuring a coordinated approach involving educators, employers, and policymakers.
Stakeholders at the workshop welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention towards realising Zimbabwe’s vision for inclusive, skills-driven, and industry-responsive economic growth.
