Research, Innovation, and Impact for a Sustainable Zambia

A leading hub for research, innovation, and sustainable development in Zambia and Southern Africa.

The Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC) is a leading multidisciplinary research and innovation institution headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia.

Established in 2007 by a consortium of academics, scientists, and development professionals, ZRDC was founded with one mission — to generate actionable knowledge that drives Zambia’s socio-economic transformation.

Our Mission Our Impact

Our Strategic Research Pillars

Four focus areas guide our research agenda, partnerships, and long-term development outcomes.

Poverty Alleviation & Community Development

Using innovative methods, we are using Community-Based Monitoring Systems (CBMS) to generate local data for poverty reduction strategies. Our approach empowers communities to identify their needs and track development progress.

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E-Governance & ICT Integration

Developing digital tools like e-PSM, e-Council, and e-School to enhance transparency and service delivery. Our technology solutions bridge the gap between citizens and government services, making public administration more accessible and efficient.

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Education & Capacity Building

Scholarships, training, and academic partnerships that equip the next generation of leaders. We invest in human capital development through comprehensive educational programs that foster innovation and critical thinking.

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Science & Technology Innovation

Through the ZRDC Science and Technology Innovation Grant (STIG), we support research in renewable energy, agriculture, and ICT. Our innovation initiatives drive sustainable solutions to complex development challenges.

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Meet the farmers, students, and innovators whose lives are being transformed through ZRDC's initiatives.

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research papers published

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innovators mentored through our Innovation Hub

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farmers reached with climate-resilient projects

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scholarships awarded to students, with a focus on women and youth

News and Stories

Stay Informed with Our Latest News & Insights

January 17, 2026 Education

ICU TRAINS AND CERTIFIES ARTISANAL AND SMALL-SCALE MINERS

ICU, in partnership with ZRDC, has certified a group of artisanal and small-scale miners following specialised training focused on safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

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