Lusaka Province Jets Fair Officially Opened In Chongwe, Showcasing Young Innovators And Zambia's Young Future Potential
3rd July 2025
CHONGWE, ZAMBIA - The 2025 Lusaka Province Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) Fair officially opened today at Chongwe Secondary School, shining a spotlight on youth-led innovations and Zambia’s promising STEM future.
Held under the national theme, “Promoting Innovation, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship: Accelerating STEM Growth and Development,” the fair has brought together pupils, educators, researchers, and sponsors to highlight how science and technology can address the nation’s development challenges.
During the official opening, Lusaka Provincial Education Officer (PEO), Mr. Terry Changwe, engaged directly with pupils, asking them to reflect on key issues affecting their communities. Learners highlighted a wide range of challenges, including poverty, lack of access to resources, erratic electricity supply, disease outbreaks, and limited healthcare facilities.
Mr. Changwe commended the pupils for their thoughtful responses and urged them to view the JETS Fair not just as a competition, but as an opportunity to learn and create solutions.
> “These projects go beyond the classroom. They have the potential to create jobs and solve real problems,” Mr. Changwe said. “We are developing thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.”
In her remarks, the Headteacher of Chongwe Secondary School welcomed participants and praised her learners’ potential, stating that “JETS is life,” and noting her excitement to see the presented innovations developed further. She thanked the organizers and sponsors for creating such a platform.
Representing the Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC), Mr. Danny Musenge, a Researcher in Environment and Agriculture, applauded the participants' creativity and innovation.
> “ZRDC is proud to walk this journey with the National Science Centre,” he said. “Zambia’s youth are a powerful yet underutilized resource. Their innovation today will define the country’s competitiveness tomorrow.”
ZRDC is sponsoring top-performing learners in the senior category across all provincial fairs with K1,000 cash prizes, 100% scholarships to the Information and Communications University (ICU), and induction into the ZRDC Research Community for ongoing mentorship and development.
Also in attendance was Cosmo Education Zambia Limited, which recognized emerging talent by awarding young innovators in the ECE and Primary categories, affirming the importance of nurturing STEM passion from an early age.
As the fair continues over the next few days, students will present projects across fields such as agriculture, health, ICT, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. The event is expected to culminate in an awards ceremony honoring the province’s most promising young scientists.
Speakers at the event commended the collaborative spirit among schools, government, and sponsors, all working toward a vision of a more innovative, prosperous Zambia.
> “JETS is more than a fair - it’s a movement of transformation,” one educator remarked. “And with these young minds, the future is bright.”