Education Minister Douglas Syakalima says students from China’s Tsinghua University are in Zambia to study the country’s power challenges and the impact of energy insecurity on communities.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 China-Zambia Research and Development Exchange Forum on Tuesday, Syakalima stressed the need to leverage student-led research to find sustainable energy solutions.
He commended Lichi’s Community Solution Ltd for facilitating the initiative, which brings together academic leaders and students from Tsinghua University, the University of Zambia, the Copperbelt University, and Mulungushi University.
Syakalima said the forum’s theme, “Global perspectives, local impact,” aligns with the Ministry of Education’s goal to transform education into a tool for social and economic development.
According to the minister, the collaboration will not only help generate innovative solutions but also strengthen academic partnerships between Zambia and China.
The research program will focus on renewable energy adoption, efficient power management, and community-driven energy projects. Participants will visit rural and urban communities to assess the direct effects of energy shortages on households, businesses, and essential services.
Syakalima encouraged students to approach the work with both academic rigor and a commitment to practical results, noting that the country’s economic growth depends on reliable and sustainable energy access.