RUDN regional cluster in Zambia complex development
Copperbelt University hosted a number of meetings and round tables on joint projects promotion. The two universities already have a cooperation agreement, and during the meeting RUDN Engineering Academy and Copperbelt Engineering faculty signed a program of joint events, e.g. training students, academic mobility programs and joint research. In particular, the parties discussed a Master’s program «Technology of Thematic processing of Satellite Remote Sensing Data for Industries, Agriculture and Efficient Nature Management» that will train specialists for Earth Remote Sensing National Center in Lusaka starting from February 2018.
Major companies-employers of Zambia – TAZARA and Zambian Railways – got interested in RUDN cluster because they need highly qualified staff. A number of Russian technical universities are planning to join the project.
Representatives of the RF Embassy in Zambia, Rossotrudnichestvo and the Ministry of higher education of Zambia held negotiations on further cluster development. Industrial development is priority area and the state supports all related initiatives.
On the agenda was also the role of the Russian language in Zambia. Due to the growing number of Russia-Zambian projects the country will need more Russian-speaking specialists. RUDN is planning to open the Russian language Center and specialized classes at Copperbelt University.
Other large Zambian companies (Toyota Zambia, ZESCO and Kafue Steel Plant) also expressed interest in the cluster and RUDN International Employers’ Club and are ready to employ graduates and take students for internships and practice.
During the Economic and Humanitarian Forum “Russia — Africa,” cooperation agreements in education and science were signed between RUDN University and three Nigerian universities: Kwara State University, the University of Ilorin, and Thomas Adewumi University.
President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo visited RUDN University, where during a solemn ceremony, he was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. This title is conferred on scholars, higher education experts and international relations specialists for outstanding achievements in science and education, as well as for a significant contribution to the development of friendship between peoples.
President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye has become an Honorary Doctor of RUDN University. On the first day of the Russia–Africa Summit, he visited RUDN University.