KITWE — Copperbelt University has opened Zambia’s first dedicated faculty of renewable energy engineering, enrolling 120 students in its inaugural diploma and degree programmes.
Vice-chancellor Mwanza Malichi said the curriculum covers solar photovoltaic design, small hydro systems and grid integration, developed with support from the University of Strathclyde and ZESCO technical staff.
Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the faculty would feed talent into rural electrification and independent power producer projects. Kitwe’s proximity to mining firms exploring solar-battery hybrids for pit operations gives graduates practical internship opportunities.
Students from Mkushi and Petauke received bursaries under a gender-balanced scholarship fund sponsored by a European development agency. Workshop facilities include a 50-kilowatt training solar array donated by a Chinese equipment manufacturer.
Industry observers said vocational pathways must complement university training to meet installer demand. CBU plans extension programmes for ZESCO linesmen upgrading skills in smart metre maintenance.
