04/03/2026
Government has announced plans to elevate Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) into a regional centre of excellence for medical education, as the institution unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan under the theme “LMMU Rising.”
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka on 4 March 2026, Minister of Education Honorable Douglas Syakalima said the new Strategic Plan marks a purposeful and united effort to strengthen Zambia’s health workforce. He explained that the initiative aligns with the country’s broader ambition of building a resilient system capable of addressing national, regional, and global healthcare demands.
Mr. Syakalima stressed that as Zambia advances toward a knowledge-driven economy, it is essential to fully embrace Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are rapidly reshaping both education and healthcare delivery. He reiterated that government policy remains focused on improving education quality, widening access and equity, strengthening teacher development, promoting digital transformation, and ensuring strong governance and accountability.
He further noted that the Strategic Plan goes beyond increasing enrollment, emphasizing the need to produce competent, ethical, and professional graduates. According to him, the Plan also seeks to cultivate a respected academic community and enhance the University’s capacity in teaching, research, and scholarly publication.
LMMU Council Chairperson Zidah Mwiinde described the unveiling of the Strategic Plan as a significant milestone for the institution. He acknowledged that although LMMU has made considerable progress since its establishment in 2018, it has yet to fully realize its potential.
Mr. Mwiinde explained that “LMMU Rising” represents more than a slogan—it signals the University’s determination to become Zambia’s leading purpose-built medical university, recognized for academic excellence, impactful research, and outstanding student experiences.
