On August 14, 2020, MEPhI’s students from Zambia who are doing an internship at Rusatom Service on nuclear infrastructure programs discussed with Dr. Roland Miska, Head of the Zambian Atomic Energy Corporation (ZAMATOM), the nuclear energy program in the Republic of Zambia.

Currently, seventeen MEPhI’s students from Zambia are doing an internship at AO Rusatom Service that integrates the services for the nuclear infrastructure development for countries that are either just starting to implement nuclear energy program, or have already been developing it using Russian technologies. Internship’s curator is Deputy Director-General for nuclear infrastructure AO Rusatom Service, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial Economics and Management, MEPhI, Ph.D. Julia Chernyakhovskaya.

The historical aspects of the nuclear power program development in the Republic of Zambia and its goals were discussed via videoconference . Dr. Roland Msiska shared with students the goals of the current program and its sustainable funding model.

“The development of Zambia's nuclear infrastructure was initiated by the presidential directive. It considers nuclear technology as part of a diversified and sustainable energy balance for the economic development of the country. The trigger for that was the low power generation that was observed in 2015 and 2016 after a severe drought caused by climate change. Our goal is to become a middle-income country by 2030, that why the power supply is essential and need proper attention”.

The decision to build a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Zambia was made to support the development of the human resources and the first nuclear power plant program. It will help localize industry and transfer technology to Zambian professionals throughout the entire value-added chain.

Addressing young professionals, Ryan Collier, acting CEO of Rosatom Central and South Africa, highlighted the company's commitment to promoting education in Zambia and the African continent. He highly praised the resolve of Zambian students who took the opportunity to study nuclear science in the new environment for thousands of miles from home, family and friends.

“Rosatom understands the need for a comprehensive human resources development program for any new nuclear facility. Therefore, we see education as a vital aspect of our cooperation with partner countries and play an active role in the development of educational programs in Africa”, said Ryan Collier.

 Sourse: AO Rusatom Service