LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM hosted a practical seminar on nuclear energy and benefits of nuclear science and technologies development for Zambia. The event was attended by high profile experts as well as state and private media. During the event representatives of Rosatom showcased lectures on nuclear energy and technology basics, while delving into differences between nuclear research facilities and power plants. The Zambian participants found explanations quite helpful, Ms. Faith Chilube of Zambia News and Information Services said: “As an ordinary Zambian, I have gained a deeper understanding of nuclear. It is not about destruction as many here perceive, it’s safe. The Center is going to give an opportunity to the country to grow its economy in different sectors, especially as it’s still developing. The Center is about research, science and not about producing electricity”.

Experts also highlighted benefits of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technologies (CNST) project, which is to be implemented in Zambia according to agreements signed between Zambia and Russia in 2017. During his presentation, Dmitri Vysotski, Director of Nuclear Research Reactors at Rusatom Overseas noted that global experience demonstrates that the development of nuclear technology has contributed to significant technical progress in numerous social and economic fields. And the Center for nuclear research and technologies that Zambian government plans to build in Chongwe will make it possible for Zambia to boost its socialand economic development, as the potential of the center has a broad range of applications in medicine, agriculture, mining exploration and industry. In future, the development of nuclear will encourage the creation of innovative sectors in the economy. It is capable of improving the quality of education, creating new highly-paid jobs and the emergence of new specialists.

During the practical seminar, Zambian specialists also gained knowledge about Rosatom’s educational activities like lectures, bursaries for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in top Russian universities and many others, envisaged for upcoming years.