LUSAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is in Zambia to assess if the country had adequate infrastructure for nuclear development, a senior official said on Thursday.

Godfrey Malama, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Corporation, said the team was in Zambia to assess the status of nuclear infrastructure following the government's plans to acquire and operate a research reactor as part of its capacity building to operate a nuclear power plant.

In remarks delivered during a meeting of stakeholders, the official said the government has decided to pursue nuclear technology for industrial uses, medical applications and electricity generation.

"The research reactor project and a nuclear power plant require relevant nuclear infrastructure to be put in place in order to ensure that nuclear technology is used safely and in a secure manner," he said.

The official expressed optimism that the IAEA experts will help in identifying gaps, and assist in strengthening Zambia's nuclear infrastructure.