Zambia Launches Innovation Hub at Mulungushi University
Mulungushi University has launched the Zambia Belt and Road Innovation Cooperation Centre (ZBRICC), marking a transformative milestone in the country’s pursuit of science, technology, and global academic collaboration.
Located at the university’s main campus in Central Province, ZBRICC is a result of a strategic partnership with China’s Belt and Road Institute of Science and Technology (BRIST).
The centre will act as a hub for research, innovation, and technical skills development, aligned with Zambia’s national priorities under the 8th National Development Plan.
Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, officiated the launch, applauding the initiative as “a bold step toward embracing innovation, international cooperation, and 21st-century skills development.”
He highlighted the centre’s potential to connect academic research with industrial applications while boosting Zambia’s capacity in sectors such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, health, vocational training, and engineering.
“This centre will serve as a bridge between local knowledge and global expertise,” Hon. Syakalima stated, adding that it will also strengthen South–South cooperation and promote infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The ZBRICC launch follows Mulungushi University’s earlier establishment of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Zambia National Centre, reaffirming the university’s role in spearheading digital transformation in higher education.
Calling on universities, the private sector, and Zambia’s youth to seize the opportunities offered by ZBRICC, the Minister stressed that the centre is well-positioned to help Zambia remain competitive in the digital economy.
