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The Zambian government is expanding its tourism skills development strategy through a potential partnership with the Shaanxi Tourism Cuisine Professional College, a top vocational institution in north-western China.
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba announced the initiative during a visit to the college in Xi’an, where he toured training facilities and engaged in discussions with senior administrators about collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening Zambia’s tourism and hospitality workforce.
Minister Sikumba emphasized the country’s growing focus on practical, industry-relevant training to better align with changing global and regional tourism demands. Talks centered on creating joint certification programmes, faculty exchanges, and incorporating technology into tourism curricula.
While culinary and hospitality training are key components, the proposed partnership could also extend to airline services, innovation and creativity development, hotel operations, food testing labs, and mixology. These areas are seen as essential for providing Zambian students and professionals with applied, modern skillsets.
“Tourism is not only vital for earning foreign exchange but also for fostering skills and cultural exchange,” Sikumba stated. He encouraged a more holistic view of tourism—one that integrates heritage, innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration.
Founded in 1994, Shaanxi Tourism Cuisine Professional College is recognized as one of China’s top institutions for vocational training in tourism and the culinary arts. Its hands-on approach makes it a strong candidate for supporting Zambia’s ambitions to modernize its training landscape.
The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its interest in co-developing updated training modules and creating internship opportunities for Zambian learners. Such collaborations could raise domestic industry standards and improve Zambia’s competitive edge within the Southern African tourism market.
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This initiative is part of a broader trend of African nations partnering with Asian vocational institutions in diverse and context-specific ways, moving beyond dependency narratives. For Zambia, this partnership is both a strategic move to develop skills and a symbol of growing South-South cooperation in tourism and development.
