Higher Education Indaba – Higher Education Authority

President Hichilema Urges Bold Reforms and Strategic Partnerships to Make Zambia a Regional Higher Education Hub

HEA — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:43:32 +0000

By Ms. Mapalo Kasama

His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has urged stakeholders to forge strategic partnerships aimed at transforming Zambia into a regional hub for higher education.

Speaking through the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima, MP, President Hichilema emphasised the urgent need to align higher education with industry demands and global standards.

The Minister of Education officially opened the inaugural Higher Education Indaba at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

The Indaba has brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society on a platform for critical reflection and collaboration on pressing issues such as access, quality, investment, and innovation in Zambia’s higher education sector.

In his remarks, the Republican President pointed out recent reforms such as the Zambia Education Curriculum Framework (ZECF 2023) and called for increased investment in infrastructure, digital learning, and innovation.

His Excellency noted that the Indaba marked a significant step toward modernising Zambia’s universities and colleges to produce skilled, adaptable graduates ready for global challenges.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director-General, Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, described the inaugural Indaba as a platform to reshape Zambia’s higher education financing, infrastructure, and relevance in line with national and continental development goals.

Professor Chinsembu called the event a national turning point in higher education reform and emphasised the urgent need for performance-based funding, innovative investment models, and stronger alignment between universities and the labour market.

However, the Director-General warned that incremental changes were insufficient, urging stakeholders to embrace bold, transformative thinking to address systemic challenges such as outdated curricula, underfunding, and graduate unemployment.

Professor Chinsembu further proposed the establishment of Africa’s first educational city in Zambia, envisioning a global hub for innovation, research, and youth empowerment.

“The Indaba is not merely a conference, but a movement to reimagine the future of higher education in Zambia and beyond,” he said.

The Honourable Minister of Southern Province, Mr. Credo Nanjuwa, MP, described the inaugural Higher Education Indaba as a powerful platform for collaboration among industry leaders, academics, and students, aimed at shaping Zambia’s education ecosystem.

Commending the organisers for their vision, Mr. Nanjuwa emphasised that education was not just an individual pursuit but a collective investment in the nation’s future.

Mr. Nanjuwa expressed hope that the Indaba, set in the historic city of Livingstone, would foster renewed partnerships, innovative ideas, and lasting impact on Zambia’s higher education landscape.

As the three-day Indaba unfolds, stakeholders are expected to engage in robust dialogue, forge new partnerships, and chart a clear path toward a more inclusive, innovative, and industry-aligned higher education system.

The outcome of this gathering is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and investments that will position Zambia as a leader in higher education on the African continent.

About the Author: Ms. Mapalo Kasama is a 4^th-year Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication student at the Information and Communications University (ICU). Ms. Kasama is attached to ICU TV and is providing coverage for the Inaugural Higher Education Indaba as part of ICU’s partnership with HEA to support the hosting of the event.

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Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: Professor Bbenkele Champions Sustainable Investment in Higher Education

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:50:45 +0000

Professor Edwin Kachesa Bbenkele, Vice-Chancellor of ZCAS University, will chair the panel on “Financing the Development of Modern Infrastructure in Higher Education.” A seasoned academic, researcher, and business leader, Professor Bbenkele is uniquely placed to guide this critical conversation on how Zambia can unlock transformative investment for its universities.

His leadership experience across higher education and the private sector brings a rare blend of scholarship and enterprise to the Indaba. Under his chairship, this panel promises to move beyond theory into actionable strategies, showing how partnerships, policy reforms, and innovative financing can turn higher education into a powerful engine of Zambia’s growth.

The inaugural Higher Education Indaba will be held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

Hosted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Indaba will convene over 400 leaders from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), industry, cooperating partners, civil society, and other strategic stakeholders.

About Professor Edwin Bbenkele.

(Biography courtesy of ZCAS University)

Professor Emeritus Edwin Kachesa Bbenkele is a seasoned academic and business development specialist with extensive experience in higher education, research, and private sector leadership. He holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia, an MBA in Marketing Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a PhD in Consumer Behaviour from the University of Stirling, Scotland. He has served several senior positions, including Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Consultancy & Innovation) at ZCAS University, Dean of the School of Business, and formerly Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship at the University of Johannesburg. His earlier leadership roles include CEO of the Zambia Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and Executive Director of the SADC Business Council, where he contributed to regional trade and enterprise development. Professor Bbenkele has published widely on consumer behaviour, entrepreneurship, and SMME development, and continues to supervise doctoral and postgraduate students. He is affiliated with professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the South African Institute of Management Sciences.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://zcasu.edu.zm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZCASU#
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-zcas-university/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrVx_JZ38Inl8-4T_RpWBgw

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/
Don’t miss the HEA Newsletter. #HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia
Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ ‪+260 211 227 084‬ │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Nyambe on Financing the Future of Higher Education

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:40:39 +0000

Mr. Ngenda Nyambe, Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB), joins the panel on “Financing the Development of Modern Infrastructure in Higher Education.” With over two decades of high-level banking leadership across leading institutions, Mr. Nyambe brings unmatched insight into how innovative financial models can unlock opportunities for higher education.

As Zambia seeks to expand its universities and equip them for the future, voices like Mr. Nyambe’s are indispensable. His expertise in banking, governance, and institutional growth will drive conversations on how to finance not just buildings, but the very future of knowledge creation, innovation, and national competitiveness.

About Mr. Nyambe.

(Biography courtesy of ZICB)

Executive Director & CEO, Mr. Ngenda Nyambe, is a seasoned and experienced banker with a career spanning over 20 years. He started his banking profession as a University Graduate Management Trainee in 1996 at Stanbic Bank and rose through the ranks, eventually working as a Director and Senior Executive at Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc, Barclays Bank Zambia Plc (now Absa Bank Zambia) and Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc. He has served in different roles in global markets, financial institutions, public sector, development organisations and commercial banking. He has also served in corporate governance positions as a non-executive director at Ecobank Zambia Limited, Indo Zambia Bank Limited, as well as other private and public sector institutions. Mr. Nyambe is a result-oriented person with a proven track record of surpassing targets in all organisations he has worked for and successfully contributed to the attainment of each organisation’s objectives.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://www.zicb.co.zm/

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Mushibwe on Trailblazing Leadership in Digital Higher Education

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:10:12 +0000

Dr. Christine Phiri Mushibwe, Vice-Chancellor of UNICAF University Zambia, will present on “Future-Proofing Zambia’s Youth: The Role of Online Universities in Expanding Higher Education Opportunities.” A trailblazer in education and one of Zambia’s few female Vice-Chancellors, she brings a powerful mix of academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy to the Indaba. Her voice matters not only because she leads a globally connected university but also because she represents the transformational power of women in higher education leadership.

By sponsoring the Indaba, UNICAF University Zambia is not only showcasing its commitment to quality blended and online education but is also investing in the future of higher education in Zambia. Dr. Mushibwe’s presence at the Indaba ensures that digital, inclusive, and borderless learning will be part of the national conversation.

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

The inaugural Higher Education Indaba will be held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

About Dr. Mushibwe.

(Biography courtesy of Unicaf)

Dr. Christine Phiri Mushibwe has an excellent record in academic and institutional leadership. She has served in various HEIs in leadership portfolios. As an ardent Educationist, experienced HR professional and Consultant she has demonstrable acumen in leadership. She earned the prestigious award of ‘Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government’ by CEO Global, (in the education category), as regional winner and Country winner in 2017, and 2018/19 respectively. The awards were in recognition of her impact in the number of institutions where she has served in her own capacity and in her leadership roles. She was also awarded the GARA’s Award of Excellence for Global leaders (2021) for her passionate contribution to social welfare towards the betterment of society and the country. The Zambia Business Awards recognized her with “The Women’s Vice Chancellor of the Year”, “Business Woman of the Year in Academic Services Industry” and “A life time Achievement Award” in 2025. She is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at University of Huddersfield, visiting lecturer at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan and the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design.

Starting her career as a Home Economics teacher with qualifications attained in both Zambia and South Africa, Christine began teaching at secondary school level. She went on to serve in various capacities, including National Chairperson of the subject association, before being promoted to the position of Deputy Head Teacher.

Christine attained her Ph.D. at University Huddersfield, together with her Bachelor’s degree and Masters in Human Resource Development. Employed as a Lead Tutor at the same university, she went on to teach at various universities in China. She further worked as an associate Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and at Connexions in Bradford as a Programme Development Officer and Lead Mentor attached to ACCAP. She has worked in a number of Universities in Zambia in her leadership capacity such as UNILUS, ZAOU, and UOA and is currently serving as Vice Chancellor at Unicaf University Zambia. Christine is one of the very few female Vice Chancellors in the country. She is a co-founder of an NGO called Training Teachers for Community Schools in Zambia (TTCSZ) [https//www.teachers4zambia.org] and Lusaka Open Business College. Christine is currently the Chair of the Advisory Body at Campaign for Female Education (Camfed), Board Member of SARUA, ACDE, a Patroness of BeRelevant Africa, a Board Member of COLD and GARA respectively. She is a Fellow Member and a Brand Ambassador at GARA.

Christine is the author of the highly acclaimed books titled “The Effect of Cultural Traditions on the Education of Women” (2010), Followers: A Key Variable in Organizational Success (2020), The Basics of Research: Making Research Easy for Students (2022), Dirty Secrets: An Expose of Zambia’s Unspoken Cultural Skeletons (2024) and many others. She has published a number of journals on different subjects and contributed chapters to Books. She has and continues to supervise and examine a number of PhD students from various universities. She is a reviewer of books and journals and journal editor. She is an established Corporate Trainer on various subjects. Christine is an outstanding public speaker as well as Keynote Speaker at various local and International Conferences. She is a Mentor of many and a relationship builder.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://www.unicafuniversity.ac.zm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicafuniversity/?fref=ts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unicafuniversity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicafuniversity/?hl=en
Twitter (X): https://x.com/unicafuni
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnicafUniversity

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

Lights, Camera, Indaba! ICU Partners with HEA for Unmatched Media Coverage

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:47:14 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is proud to announce that Information and Communications University (ICU) has joined the Inaugural Higher Education Indaba 2025 as our official media partner.

This collaboration demonstrates the power of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working together with HEA to amplify national conversations.

Through this exciting partnership, ICU, which has 28 accredited learning programmes, will deliver professional photography, live streaming, and dynamic video coverage of the Indaba, ensuring that every moment, from the opening ceremony and keynote address to vibrant panel discussions and exhibitions, reaches audiences across Zambia and beyond.

With live broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube, boosted social media visibility, and daily highlights, ICU will make sure the story of higher education transformation is seen, heard, and remembered.

By combining HEA’s convening power with ICU’s media expertise, the Indaba will not only connect leaders in Livingstone but also inspire thousands more online.

At the Higher Education Indaba 2025, others may merely attend but ICU will be capturing history.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Unicaf – Catalysts for Change

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:21:48 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is proud to announce that UNICAF University Zambia has joined the Inaugural Higher Education Indaba 2025 as a Copper Sponsor! With 39 accredited learning programmes, the registered, private Higher Education Institution (HEI) has a strong legacy in expanding online higher education opportunities through driving access, innovation, and future-ready learning for Zambia. Look out for their presentation, exhibition stand, and more as they champion quality higher education at the Indaba!

By sponsoring the Indaba, Unicaf University Zambia is not just showcasing leadership in blended and online learning, it is positioning itself at the heart of Zambia’s educational transformation. Their commitment demonstrates that the future of higher education is digital, inclusive, and borderless.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://www.unicafuniversity.ac.zm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicafuniversity/?fref=ts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/unicafuniversity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicafuniversity/?hl=en
Twitter (X): https://x.com/unicafuni
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnicafUniversity

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

The inaugural Higher Education Indaba will be held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT: UNILUS Showcases the Future of Higher Education in Zambia

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:07:06 +0000

The University of Lusaka (UNILUS) will showcase at the Inaugural Higher Education Indaba! With 3 campuses in Lusaka and 89 accredited programmes, UNILUS is shaping the future of higher education in Zambia. Don’t miss the chance to visit their stand, connect with their team, and explore how they are driving innovation in higher education.

From producing highly skilled graduates who are powering Zambia’s economy to pioneering programmes that respond to the nation’s most pressing challenges, UNILUS stands as a trailblazer in higher education. Their exhibition will not only spotlight the breadth of their academic excellence but also inspire conversations on how private universities can lead in research, partnerships, and national development.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://web.unilus.ac.zm/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnilusOfficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/university_of_lusaka
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-lusaka
Twitter (X): www.x.com/UnilusOfficial

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

The inaugural Higher Education Indaba will be held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT: NRFA Showcases How Infrastructure Drives Higher Education

HEA — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:55:32 +0000

The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) will showcase at the Inaugural Higher Education Indaba! By mobilising resources for safer, better roads, NRFA helps create the infrastructure that connects students to campuses and strengthens access to quality higher education across Zambia. Visit their stand to see how infrastructure investment supports learning and national growth.

With hundreds of delegates from universities, industry, and government expected, NRFA’s presence at the Indaba positions them at the very heart of national conversations on development. Their exhibition will not only highlight their role in financing Zambia’s road network but also demonstrate how strategic infrastructure investment creates lasting opportunities for higher education, research, and youth empowerment.

Relevant Media Handles

Website: https://nrfa.org.zm/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/nrfaZambia/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/nrfa_zambia

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

The inaugural Higher Education Indaba will be held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education.”

Register for the Higher Education Indaba here: www.hea.org.zm/inbaba

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/ #NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.