Central Province JETS Fair Concludes with Top Learners Honoured for Excellence in STEM
The Central Province Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) Fair has officially come to a close, with nine learners from four districts receiving top honours.
Held under the national theme “Promoting Innovation, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship: Accelerating STEM Growth and Development,” the fair brought together learners from across the province who showcased scientific projects designed to solve real-world challenges.
Nine top-performing students from Kabwe, Mumbwa, Chibombo, and Kapiri Mposhi districts received prestigious awards for their outstanding achievements. Each first-place winner received a K1,000 cash prize, a medal of honour, a 100% scholarship to study at the Information and Communications University (ICU), and induction into the Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC) Research Community.
This initiative not only recognizes their achievements but also provides them with access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and professional networks to help scale and commercialize their innovations.
Kabwe District stood out by winning first place in four areas, where Kangamba Iness from Broadway Secondary School topped the category of Medicine and Health, Manzi Tifness from Angelina Tembo Girls Secondary School led in Agricultural Science, Salimu Clinton from Broadway Secondary School won in Chemistry, while Sinyangwe Ndanji Robert, also from Broadway Secondary School, took first place in Environmental Sustainable Development.
Meanwhile, Chibombo District achieved first place in two categories, where Malasa Mwanamwambwa Joy from Chibombo Boarding Secondary School won in Mathematics, while Salanje Peter Mwanza from Kafushi Boarding Secondary School emerged top in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
And Kapiri Mposhi District also earned top honours in two categories, where Mapalo Kaonga from St. Paul’s Secondary School secured first place in Food Science and Technology and Hospitality, while Chakumba Victor from St. John Paul Secondary School led in Physics and Renewable Energy.
Participants who placed second and third were awarded certificates of recognition for their outstanding contributions.
During the closing ceremony, Senior Education Standards Officer for Mathematics, Mr. J.K. Fwalanga, commended all participants and stakeholders. He praised ZRDC as the principal sponsor, noting that their support was instrumental in transforming the fair from concept to reality.
He also acknowledged the Head Teachers Association, school management teams, and teachers for their coordination, logistical support, and commitment to student success. Special appreciation was extended to Broadway Secondary School for hosting the three day event.
On behalf of Provincial Education Officer Ms. Mambe Miyanda Hamududu, Mr. Fwalanga officially declared the fair closed and urged winners to use their cash prizes to further develop their scientific pursuits.
Mr. Danny Musenge, Researcher in Environment and Agriculture at ZRDC and Dean of the School of Engineering at ICU, emphasized the significance of investing in youth innovation. He highlighted the fair as a critical platform for generating real-world solutions to challenges such as clean energy, food security, and environmental sustainability.
“This collaboration between ZRDC, ICU, and the National Science Centre reaffirms our belief that Zambia’s future lies in the hands of young innovators. These learners are not just competing, they are building solutions,” Mr. Musenge stated.
He encouraged students to embrace bold ideas and persevere through challenges, reminding them that they hold the potential to drive Zambia’s innovation agenda forward.
As part of its national commitment, ZRDC confirmed that the awards will be extended to upcoming JETS Regional Fairs in other provinces, reinforcing its role in nurturing innovation and academic excellence across Zambia.