About Justo Mwale University

Foundational Origins (1951–1969)

Justo Mwale University traces its origins to February 1951, when the Reformed Church Theological College was established in Madzimoyo, Eastern Province of Zambia. The institution was founded with a singular purpose: to train evangelists and, subsequently, ministers of the Word and sacraments for the Reformed Church in Zambia. At its inception, the Church envisioned a dedicated theological training center focused exclusively on ministerial formation.

In 1969, the college was relocated to Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. This strategic move was driven by three key considerations:

• To centralize ministerial training within the national capital.
• To benefit from proximity to other institutions of higher learning, notably the University of Zambia.
• To position the college for future expansion into a fully-fledged higher education institution.

Renaming and Institutional Identity (1975)
In 1975, the college was officially reopened and renamed Justo Mwale Theological College, in honor of Rev. Justo Mwale—the first Zambian minister of religion ordained in the Reformed Church in Zambia. This marked a significant milestone in the institution’s identity and legacy.

Ecumenical Expansion and Governance (1989)
The transformation into a multi-church institution occurred in 1989, when the governance structure expanded to include representatives from several partner churches. These included:

• The Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ)
• The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) across Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa
• The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZim)
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa)

This ecumenical collaboration broadened the institution’s reach and reinforced its regional theological leadership.

International Standing and Impact
Since its renaming in 1975, Justo Mwale University has welcomed students from across Africa and beyond—including Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Malaysia, and the United States. Graduates have gone on to serve in churches, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations, contributing meaningfully to their communities and countries.

Academic Diversification and University Status (2000–2014)
In 2000, the Booth Centre for Service and Training was established, offering certificate programs for evangelists and short courses in areas such as HIV/AIDS and development studies. This marked the beginning of academic diversification.

By 2007, Justo Mwale Theological College had evolved into Justo Mwale University College, reflecting its growing academic stature. In 2011, the institution expanded its offerings to include non-theological programs, supported by a rising pool of highly qualified faculty and robust academic standards.

In 2014, Justo Mwale University was officially granted full university status under the Higher Education Authority of Zambia. This charter affirmed its position as a premier institution of higher learning, committed to excellence in theological education and beyond.