The Brazilian government has announced that they have awarded 30 Agri-business scholarships to Zambian students.Prior to commencement of studies in Brazil in February 2021, successful Zambian students are expected to undertake a Portuguese course, which is the official language, in the course of this year.
In a statement made available to Zambian Business Times-ZBT, by Grace Makowane, First Secretary (Press and Public Relations) Zambian Embassy, Brazil, Chief of Education Division in the Brazilian government, Ms Beatriz Augusta, told Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr Alfreda Kansembe -Mwamba that with the 30 scholarships offered to Zambian students, a meritorious universal selection process is required to pick deserving candidates.
Augusta was speaking in Brazil at the Ministry of Education, during the meeting held with the Zambian envoy. She said the students who meet the criteria will be required to undergo free Portuguese lessons before travelling to Brazil for 5 weeks.
The Brazilian government expects Zambia to provide a learning facility in Lusaka where the deserving students will have to undertake a course in Portuguese language. And Ambassador Kansembe- Mwamba has thanked Brazil for awarding the 30 Agri-business scholarships to Zambia.
“We are so delighted that Brazil has offered scholarships in a field of study to Zambian students in Agriculture, which is expected to be one of the key drivers of the economy of Zambia”, she said.
She pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Higher Education Ministry in Lusaka to ensure a transparent and meritorious selection process is employed so that only the best and deserving students are selected and sent to Brazil.
Dr. Kansembe Mwamba said the students will study at the University of Centro Patos de Minas (UNIPAM) which is accredited to the Daniel Franco Institute (IDF).
In November last year, the Zambian government signed a Protocol on livestock and Agri business with Brazil through the IDF for Zambian students to acquire advanced courses in Agribusiness and livestock.
