Zambia's program of ensuring that it starts using nuclear energy in advancing the country's economic development is on track, an official said on Friday.

Reuben Katebe, National Coordinator of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization, said the nuclear energy program was advancing well and that it would be implemented in two phases, with the first being the construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology while the second phase will involve the construction of a nuclear power plant.

He said in a statement that the construction of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology will be done within three to six years, adding that the center would have a research reactor for production of medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, a gamma irradiator for food preservation and medical product sterilization.

According to him, the second phase will see the construction of a nuclear power plant which will have the capacity to produce about 2,400 megawatts of electricity, which will provide an opportunity for the country to be energy secure and be able to export electricity to other countries in the region.

Meanwhile, the official, who was among the Zambia delegation that attended the Atom Expo in Russia, said the forum provided an opportunity for the delegation to make business contacts and raise awareness about Zambia's nuclear program among nuclear energy players.

He further said the expo, which was organized by the Russian State Nuclear Corporation, helped the Zambia delegation in strengthening relations with global nuclear players.