The University of Zambia (UNZA) and Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia has today formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Sanitation Hub, a dedicated centre for research, capacity building, and policy innovation in decentralised sanitation solutions (DeWATS).
The signing ceremony, held at the UNZA Senate Chamber, marks a significant milestone in national efforts to address Zambia's pervasive sanitation challenges, particularly in informal settlements and rapidly urbanizing areas.
UNZA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mundia Muya, says the Sanitation Hub aligns directly with the Universityโs 2023โ2027 Strategic Plan and key national development priorities, including the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
โThis Hub will be a policy-responsive knowledge centre for applied learning, where we will shape technologies such as converting sewer waste to biogas that inform and influence national sanitation and climate policies, we are committed to translating research findings into regulatory frameworks and action plans, strengthening Zambiaโs role in regional policy dialogues.โ
Professor Muya called on development partners and the private sector to join in mobilizing the much needed funds to investment in UNZAโs sanitation system, which is an investment in the health, safety, and productivity of our over 30,000 students and staff. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how academia, policy, and practice can solve pressing national challenges together.
Country Director for BORDA Zambia, Ms. Amanda Mallaghan, said the partnershipโs twofold focus on societal impact and academic excellence.
โThe Sanitation Hub is a bridge between academia, practitioners, and communities. It affirms a shared commitment to providing evidence-based solutions for sustainable decentralized sanitation systems, ensuring that sanitation is recognized as fundamental to dignity, safety, and equality,โ she stated.
The Hub would give UNZA students the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, testing ideas and developing practical skills, while ensuring Zambian communities directly benefit from the resulting research and innovation. The UNZA-BORDA Sanitation Hub is expected to grow into a Centre of Excellence for Sanitation research and innovation across Zambia and the Southern Africa region.