Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Signs Strategic MoU with Copperbelt University to Drive Digital Transformation Through ERP Development

Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Copperbelt University aimed at supporting the Corporation’s digital transformation agenda through the development and phased implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The signing ceremony, held at the ZACL Head Office at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), marks a significant milestone in the Corporation’s efforts to modernise its operational systems, strengthen efficiency and enhance data-driven decision-making across its business functions.

The partnership will see Copperbelt University provide technical expertise in the design, development and deployment of locally driven ERP solutions tailored to ZACL’s operational requirements. The collaboration will further focus on innovation, automation, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, institutional capacity building and systems integration.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZACL Managing Director, Urvesh Desai, described the partnership as a strategic investment in Zambia’s digital future and local innovation capacity.

“At Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, we recognise that the future of aviation is digital, data-driven and innovation-led. As we continue modernising our airports and operational systems, strategic partnerships such as this one with Copperbelt University have become critical in helping us deliver smarter, more efficient and customer-focused services,” said Mr. Desai.

Mr. Desai added that the partnership demonstrates ZACL’s confidence in Zambia’s local expertise and innovation ecosystem to provide sustainable solutions to national challenges.

“For us at ZACL, digital transformation is ultimately about improving passenger experience, strengthening operational excellence and positioning Zambia’s airports to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global aviation environment. Together, we are not just building systems; we are building a resource bank and local capacity,” he said.

And Copperbelt University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Imasiku Nyambe, said the partnership aligns with Government’s broader digital transformation agenda and reflects the growing importance of locally developed technological solutions.

“This MoU reflects a shared recognition that sustainable digital transformation must be locally driven, institutionally embedded, and aligned to Zambia’s broader National Digital Transformation Agenda,” said Prof. Nyambe.

He noted that the collaboration directly supports Government’s vision of modernising public institutions through digitisation, improved service delivery and enhanced operational efficiency.

“By prioritising locally developed systems, we are not only reducing long-term operational costs, but also building national technical capability, retaining knowledge within our institutions, and contributing meaningfully to Zambia’s digital economy,” he added.

Under the agreement, the ERP implementation will be undertaken in phases, beginning with core operational areas including Human Resources, Procurement, Finance, Capacity Building and Business Intelligence, before expanding to other business-critical functions.

The partnership reinforces ZACL’s commitment to leveraging strategic collaborations, innovation and technology to improve operational excellence, customer experience and long-term sustainability within Zambia’s aviation sector.