FOUNDED IN 2004
A Story of God's Faithfulness
Central Africa Baptist University traces its roots to 1993, when the families of Philip Hunt and Neil Whitwam began a team-based church-planting ministry in Kitwe, Zambia. What started with a single congregation in Riverside Extension grew as new believers were discipled and sent out to plant additional churches across the city.
As the work expanded, a clear need emerged: trained leaders who could faithfully teach God's Word and shepherd the next generation of churches. The vision was to combine strong biblical training with credible academic education, not just for Zambia, but for the continent.
After years of prayer and planning, including conversations with Northland Baptist Bible College in the United States and a formal assessment visit in 2004, Central Africa Baptist College was officially chartered in Kitwe on April 5, 2004, with Philip Hunt appointed as founding president.
The first classes began on February 13, 2006, with just nine students in a renovated facility in Riverside. From that small beginning, the college grew steadily: campus construction was completed in phases starting in 2008, additional property was acquired along Jambo Drive in 2013, and academic programs expanded and gained accreditation — including a Ministry of Education–accredited Education Program in 2016 and ACTEA accreditation for the theology program in 2017.
Through the Theological Studies by Extension (TSE) program, training also reached local churches beyond the campus, extending into rural Zambia and neighboring Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and ten other countries.
The vision of biblical training paired with credible academic education continued to expand. In April 2023, Imbila Publishers was launched to provide sound, accessible theological literature for the church across Africa, and in December 2024 the Paul Kasonga Theological Library building was opened to support serious study for students and pastors alike. In 2026, Central Africa Seminary was launched, extending the university's training into advanced theological education for the region's pastors and church planters.
As the institution looked toward its next season of leadership, Dr. Chopo Mwanza was announced as Vice-Chancellor Designate in December 2025, affirming his deep and sustained contribution to its mission. Dr. Mwanza is set to assume official duties on January 1, 2027, as Philip Hunt transitions into the role of Chancellor. This deliberate, prayerful process reflects a commitment to strong, Christ-centered governance as the university enters its next chapter.
The university has trained hundreds of graduates now serving in ministry across multiple countries. Today, as Central Africa Baptist University, the institution continues its founding purpose: training the next generation of servant-leaders in Africa for Great Commission living, with a vision of reproducing gospel-preaching churches in every village, town, and city across Africa.
A Legacy of Growth
From its founding in 2004 to the launch of Central Africa Seminary in 2026, Central Africa Baptist University has grown from a single college in Kitwe, Zambia into a fully accredited university preparing men and women for gospel-centered service across the continent.
CABC founded
Central Africa Baptist College is chartered in Kitwe, Zambia, laying the institutional foundation for what would become a fully accredited university.
First classes begin
The college welcomes its inaugural cohort of nine students, opening its classrooms for the first time.
Phase 1 building dedication
The college dedicates its first permanent campus building, marking a major step in its physical development.
First undergraduate graduation
The college confers its first Bachelor of Arts in Bible degrees, graduating its founding class.
Faith Radio launched
Faith Radio Station 92.1 debuts, extending the college's gospel-centered mission through broadcast media across the region.
Partnership established with Piedmont International University
A formal partnership with Piedmont International University strengthens the college's academic standing and broadens opportunities for its students and faculty to earn advanced degrees.
Theological Studies by Extension (TSE) launched
Theological Studies by Extension began its first Pastor’s block class.
Education programme begins
The college launches its programme in education, offering a Diploma in Education and preparing graduates to serve as teachers throughout the region.
ACTEA accreditation & CABC USA formed
The college is granted accreditation candidate status by the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa. CABC USA, Inc. is formed as a U.S.-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit to support its mission through donor partnership and advancement.
HEA accreditation
CABU earns university status. The institution receives accreditation from Zambia’s Higher Education Authority and is granted full university status. Phase II building project: construction begins on the Phase II building project to support continued growth.
Imbila Publishers founded
CABU establishes Imbila Publishers, extending the university's academic and theological work into publishing.
Paul Kasonga Theological Library grand opening
The university celebrates the grand opening of the Paul Kasonga Theological Library, a dedicated resource supporting biblical and theological scholarship on campus.
Central Africa Seminary begins
Central Africa Seminary opens, offering advanced theological education and preparing the next generation of pastors, scholars, and Christian leaders.
A Legacy of Grace. A Future of Gospel Impact.
From small beginnings in Kitwe to a growing university training leaders for Africa, every chapter of CABU's story testifies to God's faithfulness. The milestones above and photos below trace His hand at work through the prayers and gifts of His people.
