Gertrude Mwangala facts for kids

Dr. Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa is an inspiring Zambian woman who has made a big difference in the world of technology and education. She used to be a systems engineer for IBM and managed important IT systems for the African Development Bank. Today, she is the Vice Chancellor of Victoria Falls University of Technology (VFU), a university she helped create in 2002.

Early Life and Education

Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa was born in Zambia around 1948. She loved learning and went to the University of Zambia in 1969. In 1973, she earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science, in both Mathematics and Education.

Later, she continued her studies at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 1997. There, she earned a Master's degree in Public Administration, focusing on how governments and organizations are managed. In 2020, she completed her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Liverpool. Her research focused on how technology can make learning better in universities.

Her Amazing Career

Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa started her career in 1973 at International Business Machines (IBM) in Zambia. She worked as a Systems Engineer for over eight years, helping computers and systems work smoothly.

In 1982, she joined the African Development Bank. She was in charge of Information Technology (IT) systems and infrastructure. She worked there for almost 24 years, living in both Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Tunis, Tunisia.

In 2002, Dr. Akapelwa had a big dream: to start a new university. She founded the Victoria Falls University of Technology (VFU) in Livingstone, Zambia. Since 2010, she has been the Vice Chancellor of this university, leading its growth and helping students learn about technology.

Other Important Roles

Dr. Akapelwa also serves on the boards of several companies, sharing her knowledge and experience. She is a non-executive director for Zambia Railways Limited. She also owns and runs a guest house called La Residence Executive Guest House in Livingstone, Zambia.

She used to be the Chairperson of the Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). This organization helps manage technology and communication in Zambia. She also helped the Zambian Government with a project about managing land information.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa has received many awards for her hard work and achievements. Some of these include:

• The John Mwanakatwe Distinguished Award from the Zambia Society for Public Administrators.
• Recognition from the Zambia Association of University Women (ZAUW) for being the first female Computer Scientist in Zambia.
• The IBM Systems Engineering Professional Excellence Award.
• Awards for being one of Africa's Most Influential Women in Business in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

See also

• Mizinga Melu
• Florence Mumba
• Elizabeth Muyovwe