Ministry of Education
Directorate of National Science Centre
Junior Engineers, Technicians & Scientists (JETS) · Tertiary Engineers, Technicians & Scientists (TETS)
Promoting innovation and competence development in STEM education across all 10 provinces of Zambia — from Early Childhood Education schools to Tertiary institutions.
The founding programme, carrying school learners from the classroom to the national fair through five domains and a Skills category.
The tertiary arm, extending the innovation continuum beyond secondary school into universities, colleges and TEVET institutions.
From Early Childhood Education classrooms to tertiary lecture halls, JETS & TETS cultivates Zambia's next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians.
Founded in 1968 by the Zambia Association for Science Education, JETS has run without interruption for over five decades — making it one of the country's longest-standing education programmes.
What began as a schools science club movement now reaches every province, every level of the education system, and, since 2025, tertiary institutions through TETS.
To provide an inclusive, competence-driven and nationally coordinated STEM innovation platform spanning the full continuum of Zambian education.
The programme nurtures scientific curiosity, technical craftsmanship, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial capability among all participants — enabling the development, exhibition and commercialisation of STEM solutions that answer real community, national and regional challenges.
This work is aligned to the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework and the Vision 2030 national development aspirations.
Established in 1968, JETS has been a cornerstone of Zambia's STEM ecosystem for over five decades. Its impact runs from the individual learner through to the national economy.
Cultivates creativity, critical thinking, research capability and hands-on problem-solving through projects, inventions and experiments.
Discovers and mentors promising young scientists, engineers, technicians and innovators from an early age.
Motivates learners toward diverse STEM careers — medicine, ICT, engineering and entrepreneurship.
Builds teacher mentorship and embeds project-based, practical learning in school curricula, moving beyond rote theory.
Links schools, government bodies, universities and industry partners to align education with real-world needs.
Pestalozzi Scholarships give outstanding learners access to quality education and personal development.
Produces skilled graduates who become professionals, industry leaders and contributors to national development.
Drives Zambia's transition toward a STEM-driven, knowledge-based economy through innovation and commercial potential.
From a handful of scientists at the University of Zambia to a national, competence-based innovation platform reaching every province.
Tertiary Engineers, Technicians & Scientists (TETS) expands participation to universities, colleges, and TEVET institutions.
Universities, colleges, and TEVET institutions across all 10 provinces now participate in TETS, showcasing advanced solutions.
Aligned with the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). The five integrated domains replace the legacy subject categories with systems-oriented lenses — joined by a distinct, practically oriented Skills category.
Addresses solutions to climate adaptation, renewable energy, waste management and water systems challenges.
Consolidates: Chemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Agricultural Science, Renewable Energy and related categories — into a single systems-oriented lens on environmental resilience and resource stewardship.
Addresses public health solutions, nutrition systems, food security and water safety.
Integrates: Chemistry, Food Science and Hospitality, Cosmetology, and Medicine and Health Innovations — into a unified framework for community health and wellbeing outcomes.
Addresses software solutions, automation, IoT systems and AI applications.
Consolidates: Computer Science, Robotics and AI, Mathematics Innovations, Electronics and Digital Services — into a single framework for digital and intelligent technology development.
Addresses infrastructure design, manufacturing systems, product design and smart mobility.
Integrates: Physics and Renewable Energy (mechanical, civil and electrical engineering), Product Development and Manufacturing — into an applied engineering and production framework.
Addresses data analysis, simulation models, scientific research and evidence validation.
Consolidates: Mathematics, Physics Modelling, Agricultural Data Systems, and Research and Experimental Design — into a single quantitative and investigative reasoning framework.
A distinct, practically oriented category recognising technical and vocational mastery. Unlike the five integrated domains, Skills assesses hands-on craftsmanship and production competence rather than research-based innovation.
Groundbreaking projects from JETS & TETS participants across Zambia
The Directorate of National Science Centre announces dates for the 2026 JETS National Fair.
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