Welcome to the CBU Challenge

The CBU Challenge is an initiative to grow an endowment fund with sustained financial support for the University’s infrastructure modernisation and expansion for a world-class learning environment.

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About The CBU Challenge

VISION - To be the best African University in Science, Technology and Innovation by 2035.

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Overview

The objective of the CBU Challenge is to raise funds for:

  • Critical infrastructure renewal and laboratory equipment upgrades.
  • Campus facility improvements;
  • Raise funds for improving campus facilities.
  • Boosting student welfare.
  • Developing long-term sustainability endowment fund through
  • ````contributions of alumni, corporates, cooperating partners and
  • ````all well wishers.
  • Attracting global partnerships and networks.

Our Patron

H.E Hakainde Hichilema

  • His Excellency, the President of Zambia and Patron of the Copperbelt University (CBU) Challenge, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to improving student welfare on campus. His involvement underscores the significance of investing in infrastructure that fosters academic excellence and holistic development among students.
  • Being part of this initiative showcases his passion for ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to excel, ultimately contributing to the broader national strategy of elevating higher education in Zambia. Through his support, the President is investing in the future of CBU and nurturing a generation of talented individuals who will drive the nation’s development forward.

Additional contributions from our patron include:

Our esteemed patron has been instrumental in uplifting the university and improving student welfare. Among his many contributions include the re-introduction of meal allowances to all public higher learning institutions to which the Copperbelt University Students are major beneficiaries.

  • Increased the allocation to HESLB to K1.2 billion increasing loan beneficiaries.
  • K300.5 million allocated to the completion of the unfinished hostels.
  • Drilling of 3 boreholes.
  • Provision of an ambulance.
  • Pledged to buy a COBUSU bus.

Where we are from

The Zambia Institute of Technology was founded with a strong focus on providing technical and vocational education to support the country's growing mining and industrial sectors, which were and still are essential to Zambia’s economy.

The University has since grown into a comprehensive institution offering a wide variety of programs. Over time, it has expanded beyond its technical and engineering roots to offer programs in business, education, health sciences, built environment, natural resources, hospitality and more.

Today, Copperbelt University is recognized as one of Zambia’s leading institutions, with a growing reputation in research and development, particularly in areas tied to Zambia’s industrial and economic growth, such as mining, engineering, natural resources management, and business administration. The University continues to evolve, with partnerships and collaborations both locally and internationally. However, the infrastructure remains stagnant.

Key Challenges

  • Aging infrastructure and Outdated laboratory equipment.
  • Limited recreational, welfare facilities and Insufficient modern learning resources.
  • Inadequate learning, library and study spaces.
  • Inadequate health facilities and inadequate campus landscaping and aesthetics
  • Limited external financial support research funding constraints.

What we have done

Ndola Campus

  • The institution has received significant support from corporate partners, leading to the construction of several notable projects. Among these is the Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine (Left) in Ndola, constructed by the Israeli

Pushpaben, Chimanial and Anilkumar Patel (Multipurpose Facility Hall)

The Pushpaben, Chimanial and Anilkumar Patel Multipurpose Facility Hall (Right) in Ndola, built through partnership with the Lions Club of Ndola.

Norhed Auditorium

The Auditorium built through the NORHED project, facilitates academic and student engagement

CBU-ACESM laboratory

The CBU-ACESM laboratory (Right) funded by the World Bank advances sustainable mining research. CBU has developed a curriculum in Railway System Engineering (Mpika campus) and is currently in the process of developing curricula focused on the Mining Value Chain.

Mukuba Unipod innovation hub

The Mukuba Unipod hub was built to facilitate innovation and creative projects, from ideas to actualisation for industry.

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