Setting up a vocational training institute in Zambia is more than renting classrooms and hiring trainers. It is a regulated process that sits under the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA). Follow this up-to-date roadmap to secure your certificate of registration, stay compliant, and begin training students with confidence.
1. Know the Legal Framework
The governing law is the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Act and its subsequent amendments. The Act empowers TEVETA to license, inspect, and—if necessary—close non-compliant providers. Understanding the Act’s scope helps you align your plans with what regulators expect. (TEVETA)
2. Incorporate Your Business First
- Register the entity with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
- Get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
- Enroll with NAPSA and any local municipal offices for business permits.
This legal foundation is compulsory before TEVETA will even accept your application. (TEVETA)
3. Gather the Core Documentation
Prepare a single, well-indexed dossier containing:
| Document | Why It Matters |
| PACRA certificate / Business name | Proves legal existence |
| Board & proprietors’ details | Shows governance capability |
| Three-year strategic plan | Demonstrates sustainability |
| Course curricula | Lets TEVETA vet academic quality |
| CVs + certified copies of staff qualifications | Confirms trainer competence |
| Quality-assurance officer profile | Key for continuous improvement |
| Three-month bank statement (≥ K5 million balance*) | Confirms financial health |
| Proof of NAPSA & ZRA compliance | Confirms statutory good standing |
| Lease or title for premises & change-of-use letter | Ensures suitable facilities |
| Local-authority boarding approval (if you’ll house trainees) | Protects student welfare |
* K5 million is denominated in pre-2013 Kwacha; today it equals K5,000 in rebased currency. Always verify the latest threshold with TEVETA before submitting. (TEVETA, TEVETA)
4. Complete and Submit the TEVETA Application
- Download Form 01: First Registration as a TEVET Institution from the TEVETA portal or collect it from the Lusaka office.
- Pay the application fee (currently pegged at K5 million / K5,000 rebased) for a three-year licence. Program-level accreditation fees are paid per course after the institute is registered.
- Hand-deliver or courier the full package to the Director-General, TEVETA, Lusaka. Retain stamped copies for your records. (TEVETA)
Pro Tip: Include a flash drive with digital copies of every document; TEVETA’s reviewers appreciate easy cross-referencing.
5. Site Inspection & Evaluation
Within 30 days, TEVETA appoints inspectors to review:
- Necessity of the new school in your proposed catchment area
- Premises suitability, fire safety, disability access, and sanitation
- Equipment adequacy against each curriculum module
- Trainer-to-student ratios and staff credentials
- Financial robustness to run at least one academic year
If gaps arise, you get a written improvement notice and up to 90 days to fix them. Satisfy every point to avoid rejection. (TEVETA)
6. Receive Your Certificate of Registration
Once all conditions are met, TEVETA issues:
- Certificate of Registration (valid initially for one year)
- A schedule of approved programmes and maximum enrolment per course
- A unique TEVETA Registration Number for marketing and exam entries
Pin the certificate in a public area—inspectors look for it on follow-up visits. (TEVETA)
7. Renewal & Ongoing Compliance
| Requirement | Timeline | Key Action |
| Annual renewal | Apply before 31 October each year | File updated Form 02 + pay renewal fee |
| Staff CPD | Continuous | Keep trainer files updated with CPD certificates |
| Curriculum review | Every 3 years or sooner if standards change | Submit revised syllabi for re-approval |
| Premises audit | Ad-hoc & at least once per cycle | Maintain safety, hygiene, and equipment logs |
Late renewal attracts penalties, and operating on an expired licence can trigger closure and fines. (TEVETA)
8. Five Tips for a Smooth Registration
- Run an internal mock audit against TEVETA’s Minimum Training Standards before inspectors arrive.
- Bundle evidence logically—a neat file saves reviewers time and cuts repeat queries.
- Budget for course accreditation (K 2,500–K 5,000 per programme on average) in addition to the institute registration fee.
- Engage qualified trainers early; TEVETA rejects CVs submitted “to follow.”
- Keep cash reserves; TEVETA may ask for updated bank statements during renewal.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
Budget 3–6 months from complete submission to certificate, assuming no major remedial work.
Can a foreign investor own the institute?
Yes, but you still need a locally registered company and must meet the same TEVETA standards.
What if I want to add new courses later?
Apply for programme accreditation only—your institutional licence remains valid.
Conclusion
Registering a vocational training institute in Zambia demands meticulous preparation, transparent finances, and a passion for quality education. By following TEVETA’s checklist— and keeping renewal dates in sight—your school will be well-positioned to fill critical skills gaps and uplift communities nationwide.
