𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞

Mulungushi University has officially Launched Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Confucius Institute (AICI), marking a significant milestone in educational cooperation, digital innovation and Zambia–China relations.

The launch, held on 26th October 2026 at the University’s Great North Road Campus in Kabwe, celebrates a strategic partnership with the Communication University of Zhejiang and the Chinese International Education Foundation.

In his remarks, Mulungushi University Vice-Chancellor Amb. Prof. Royson M. Mukwena, PhD, described the occasion as historic for the University, Zambia, China and the wider African higher education community. He highlighted the Institute’s vision of becoming a centre of excellence in AI-enabled education, digital skills development, research and innovation.

He emphasised that the Institute’s success would be measured by the skills developed, partnerships established, research undertaken and benefits delivered to society.

Also in attendance were Dr Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary – Educational Services at the Ministry of Education; Ambassador Han Jing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Zambia; Professor Wei Lu, President of the Communication University of Zhejiang; and other distinguished guests.

Ambassador Han Jing noted that the Institute is the first in Africa dedicated to artificial intelligence. It will leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance Chinese language teaching, expand cooperation in digital education and AI applications, and nurture local talent equipped with both language proficiency and technological expertise.

Meanwhile, Dr Mambwe highlighted the Institute’s potential to provide a new platform for Zambia’s education development and science and technology talent cultivation, deepen educational exchanges between the two countries, and support the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The launch reflects Mulungushi University’s commitment to advancing knowledge, embracing emerging technologies and building strategic international partnerships that contribute to national and regional development.