On May 12th 2025, UNESCO-ICHEI and Mulungushi University (IIOE Zambia National Centre) jointly organised the "Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Higher Education: High-Level Training and Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) Signing Ceremony". H.E. Mr. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education of Zambia, Prof. Royson Mukwena, Vice-Chancellor of Mulungushi University, Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, Mr. CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Parternship and Programme Office of UNESCO-ICHEI, Ms. Shirley Kong, Overseas Marketing Director of GuangZhou Dazzleview Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Dazzleview"), and other representatives of Zambian government agencies and higher education institutions (HEIs) attended the event.

During the event, eight Zambian HEIs officially joined the IIOE National Centre network, and the signing ceremony for the Smart Classroom Project was successfully held. These initiatives will strengthen the digital and AI competencies of local higher education professionals, providing support for the digital transformation of Zambian higher education. The deepened partnership between UNESCO-ICHEI and the IIOE Zambia National Centre will offer replicable good practices for advancing digital education across Southern Africa.

Group photo of participants

New Horizons for AI-Enabled Higher Education in Zambia

As a strategically important nation in Southern Africa, Zambia faces unique opportunities and challenges in its digital transformation. Recent years have seen the Zambian Government progressively promote digital transformation and integrate AI across sectors to strengthen innovation, economic growth, and workforce readiness. Despite relatively low digital readiness and limited infrastructure, Zambia’s policy framework – including the 2022 National Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Policy and the 2024 National Artificial Intelligence Strategy – demonstrates resolute commitment to advancing AI-Enabled education.

With the deep application of AI technology in education, HEIs in Zambia are experiencing fundamental shifts in teaching paradigms. AI-driven learning platforms have improved student learning efficiency and experience through intelligent research support, content generation, personalised tutoring, and task automation functions. However, these advancements also bring challenges related to AI application ethics, academic integrity, and institutional policy development.

Against this backdrop, the “AI-Driven Higher Education: High-Level Training and MOU Signing Ceremony” co-hosted by the IIOE Zambia National Centre and UNESCO-ICHEI brought together government officials, HEI leaders, international organisation and industry representatives to examine the profound implications of generative AI in education on policy regulations and institutional governance frameworks. Participants engaged in thorough discussions on how AI is reshaping teaching methods and assessment systems, while sharing good practices on integrating AI tools across curricula.

H.E. Mr. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education of Zambia, emphasised the transformative potential of AI in education. He noted that, generative AI, when properly handled, offers immense promise for enhancing access, quality, and relevance in higher education. He proposed that the IIOE Zambia National Centre should not only establish itself as a pioneer in Southern Africa, but also become a benchmark for educational digital transformation across the African continent.

H.E. Mr. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education of Zambia

Prof. Royson Mukwena, Vice-Chancellor of Mulungushi University, recognised the significant role of UNESCO-ICHEI in providing policy guidance, building a global network, and developing the IIOE online learning platform. He expressed anticipation for deepened collaboration with partner HEIs, UNESCO-ICHEI and Dazzleview to jointly promote AI applications in higher education.

Prof. Royson Mukwena, Vice-Chancellor of Mulungushi University

Mr. Fidelis Cheelo, Director of Technical Services of Zambia Qualifications Authority, underscored the urgent need to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education and training in the AI era, thereby contributing to learners' full personal development and socioeconomic progress.

Mr. Fidelis Cheelo, Director of Technical Services of Zambia Qualifications Authority

Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, stressed that UNESCO-ICHEI is committed to working closely with the IIOE Zambia National Centre to set an exemplary example of higher education digital transformation. She underscored that while AI holds immense promise to revolutionise teaching and learning, its success depends on strategic planning, inclusive implementation and international cooperation. The IIOE platform, courses and training will support national AI education agenda.

Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI

Ms. Shirley Kong, Overseas Marketing Director of GuangZhou Dazzleview Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., showcased how the artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) industry can support higher education innovation. She highlighted Dazzleview's flagship projects in developing smart classrooms, AI curriculum systems and talent service centres.

Ms. Shirley Kong, Overseas Marketing Director of GuangZhou Dazzleview Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.

Breakthroughs in AI Capacity Building for Higher Education Professionals

The event featured a dedicated Mou signing ceremony, where eight Zambian HEIs, including the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University, established strategic partnerships with the IIOE Zambia National Centre. This created an institutional mechanism for HEIs in Zambia to actively engage in the IIOE initiative, benefiting from its platform, courses, and training programmes.

MOU signing ceremony	MOU signing ceremony

The IIOE Zambia National Centre has achieved significant progress in enhancing digital and AI competencies for higher education professionals. Established in 2021, it has organised a series of in-person training sessions on the use of AI in teaching and learning. Moreover, in April 2025, the dedicated web page of the IIOE Zambia National Centre on the IIOE platform launched two IIOE AI-focused courses, including "Teaching with AI: Practical Tips" and "Introduction to DeepSeek and Practical Applications in Teaching", both underwent localisation to better align with educators' learning needs and real-world teaching scenarios. Nearly 50 Zambian higher education professionals have participated in the training.

IIOE Zambia National Centre webpage on the IIOE platform

The establishment of the local partner network of the IIOE Zambia National Centre represents a pivotal milestone. It will enable the large-scale, localised implementation of the IIOE Micro-Certification Project. The IIOE Zambia National Centre will further expand its network to include other public and private HEIs, as well as TVET institutions. By leveraging the IIOE platform, a well-structured IIOE course catalogue, and customised learning pathways, the IIOE Zambia National Centre will support teacher professional development in much-needed digital and AI competencies at the national level.

The signing of the Smart Classroom Cooperation Agreement was also a highlight of the event. Led by UNESCO-ICHEI and with academic support from the Southern University of Science and Technology, Dazzleview signed an agreement with Mulungushi Univeristy. The Smart Classroom Project aims to provide an interactive teaching solution for higher education teachers and students. The installation of a smart classroom at Mulungushi University will empower educators to use the latest technologies and tools, thereby driving efficient and innovative teaching.

Ms. Shirley Kong, Overseas Marketing Director of GuangZhou Dazzleview Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and Dr. Brian Halubanza, Focal Point of IIOE Zambia National Centre; Dean, School of Engineering and Technology, Mulungushi University

New Chapter of AI-Driven Higher Education in Zambia

This landmark event fostered close collaboration among HEIs, government agencies, international organisations, and technology providers. The IIOE Zambia National Centre, in partnership with UNESCO-ICHEI and HEIs, will further promote the localised, large-scale implementation of the IIOE Micro-Certification Project, aligning it with national qualifications frameworks and seeking endorsements from government agencies. This will enable local educators to enhance their AI competencies, creating a pool of qualified faculty to drive educational digital transformation. The installation of a smart classroom at Mulungushi Univeristy exemplifies how industry-academia collaboration can advance higher education innovation, adapting to the evolving realities in the AI era.

By focusing on core needs through technological empowerment and resource sharing, UNESCO-ICHEI is committed to supporting the development of the IIOE Zambia National Centre as a model for higher education digital transformation across Southern Africa and beyond.

About Mulungushi University:

Mulungushi University, established in 2008, is Zambia's third public degree-awarding university. Operating under a self-financing model, the university is committed to advancing academic excellence and improving access to higher education. The university offers a variety of electronic resources across six main disciplines, providing students and faculty with a wealth of information and research opportunities. In alignment with Zambia's Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the 2025 Key Elements for Work Plan, the university is implementing a strategic initiative in 2025 focused on micro-certification courses, emphasising digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.

About IIOE Zambia National Centre:

The IIOE Zambia National Centre was established at Mulungushi University in 2021. As an empowerment hub for teacher capacity building, digital learning and digital transformation of higher education in Zambia, the IIOE Zambia National Centre is committed to facilitating the localised implementation of flagship programmes, such as the IIOE Micro-Certification Project for Higher Education Workforce Digital Competency Building. At the same time, the IIOE Zambia National Centre continues to build and expand a local network of HEIs to support the continued development of higher education in Zambia.