Kapasa Makasa University has long been at the forefront of fostering international collaboration, particularly in the areas of research and development. One of the most exciting partnerships formed by KMU was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guangdong Ocean University (GDOU) of China. This agreement, centered on fisheries research and development, has opened up vast opportunities for both institutions, especially in advancing aquaculture and sustainable fisheries practices.

The MOU between KMU and GDOU has been instrumental in guiding the development of aquaculture and fisheries research at KMU, particularly on the university’s 65-hectare land located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This strategic site, extending into the water, holds immense potential for advancing sustainable fish farming and contributing to the region’s economic growth in the fisheries sector.

In 2023, GDOU paid a visit to KMU, and in July 2024, KMU reciprocated by visiting China alongside the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. This exchange was not just about strengthening academic ties, but also about laying the groundwork for collaborative projects

A cabinet memo was prepared by three key ministries—the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. This memo was crucial in advancing the discussions about the future of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Zambia, particularly the transformative potential of the project at KMU.

The Ministry of Finance also took an active role, writing to the government of China to request a significant grant of $5.8 million to support the establishment of the National Tilapia Breeding and Production Center. This center, once developed, will be a flagship project in sustainable aquaculture, benefiting not just the university but the wider Zambian economy.

In January 2025, KMU was honored to host the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr.Han Jing, who visited to inspect the project site on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. His visit was a significant milestone in the partnership, as it demonstrated the Chinese government's continued support for the project and the growing importance of bilateral cooperation between China and Zambia in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.

Ambassador Han Jing traveled to Mpulungu, where he met with local civic leaders and traditional authorities to continue discussions about the future of the project. One of the key topics of discussion was the establishment of the Aquaculture Park, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for fish breeding, production, and research. There were also talks about the potential development of the Mpulungu Harbour, which could become a critical hub for trade and transportation, further supporting the aquaculture and fisheries industries in the region.