The University of Zambia (UNZA) marked a pivotal moment in its history with the launch of the Inaugural Research and Innovation Awards, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Friday 28th November 2025. The event, under the theme “From UNZA Labs to Zambia’s Solutions: Discover. Innovate. Transform,” saw high-level commitment from the government to address critical challenges facing the nation's research landscape.
The Minister of Education, Honourable Douglas Syakalima, MP, in a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, officially opened the awards ceremony and underscored the vital role of evidence-based research for national growth.
The Minister emphasised that research and innovation are indispensable for realising the goals outlined in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), including economic transformation, job creation, and climate resilience.
"We recognise the challenges that institutions face insufficient funding, limited research infrastructure, and gaps in commercialisation pathways," the Minister's address stated. "As the Government, we remain dedicated to supporting higher education and research," he said.
Specific government priorities outlined include:
- Improving the digital transformation of universities and expanding ICT infrastructure.
- Upgrading research facilities and laboratories.
- Building stronger connections between academia and industry to ensure research leads to real products and services.
- Offering fair and competitive pay to staff in universities and research institutions.
Speaking at the same function the University Council, through a statement read by Councillor Fabian Mayondi on behalf of Council Chairperson Ms. Moono Simatyaba, affirmed its dedication to providing strategic oversight.
“The Council understands that research and innovation are key parts of a modern university and a competitive national economy,” the statement read, adding that the Council would continue to support efforts that attract investment, improve infrastructure, and boost governance efficiency to ensure UNZA’s research aligns with national development priorities.
Meanwhile, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Mundia Muya, reinforced the university’s shift from viewing research as merely an academic output to a national asset.
"These Awards are special because they measure, reward, and inspire impact impact on knowledge creation, national growth, policy contribution, technological progress, and community change," said Prof. Muya. He acknowledged persistent obstacles like limited funding and slow procurement but maintained that the university is actively tackling them through focused actions and strengthened partnerships.
And Professor Trywell Kalusopa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, hailed the initiative as a "key moment" designed to bridge the gap between discovery and transformation.
"The launch is more than just a event; it is a strategic driver for innovation," Prof. Kalusopa explained. "It is designed as a space for collaboration across disciplines, prototyping, incubation, and problem-solving, ensuring that discoveries from UNZA labs lead to real benefits for our nation," he said.
The awards celebrated outstanding achievements by individuals and teams whose work is contributing directly to solving national challenges, with the Minister urging recipients to "keep pushing boundaries, mentoring younger scholars, engaging communities, and providing solutions that uplift our nation."