The University of Zambia (UNZA) has solidified its commitment to national economic transformation and global scientific excellence by formalising two major strategic partnerships this week. In separate ceremonies held at the university, UNZA Vice-Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) of China.
The partnership with ZACCI marks a significant milestone in aligning academic research with the practical needs of Zambia’s private sector. Professor Muya emphasised that universities cannot fulfil their role in isolation and must connect knowledge to the needs of the economy.
Meanwhile, ZACCI President Antony Kabaghe joined Professor Muya to formalise a collaboration designed to turn the university into a catalyst for industrial development. Among other areas of cooperation include:
- Applied Innovation: The agreement moves beyond theory, focusing on providing innovative solutions for economic diversification, job creation, and industrial competitiveness.
- Workforce Development: Both institutions will work together to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled, adaptable graduates responsive to changing economic realities.
- Industry-Led Research: UNZA’s research activities will be grounded in economic reality, ensuring that academic outputs directly benefit Zambian enterprises.
In a bid to advance Medical Frontiers at the global stage, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, UNZA renewed its scientific partnership with Wenzhou Medical University, building on a collaboration first established in 2023. The partnership will focus on high-impact medical research and South–South scientific cooperation. Among other areas of cooperation include:
- Biomedical Research: Key areas of focus include wound repair, tissue regeneration, and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)–based pharmaceutical research.
- Educational Exchange: The partnership provides structured support for Zambian students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in China, particularly in medical and biomedical sciences.
- Regional Expansion: The two institutions plan to expand cooperation in optometry across Africa, leveraging Chinese expertise to strengthen eye health services regionally.
"We view this visit not merely as an academic exchange, but as a strategic milestone in the evolving partnership between Zambia and China," Professor Muya stated during the ceremony.These dual partnerships underscore UNZA’s evolving role as a "trusted bridge" between policy, research, and practice. By collaborating with both local industry leaders and international scientific powerhouses, the university aims to foster a culture of innovation that drives sustainable growth for the nation.