By Ebi Kesiena
Zambia’s cabinet has approved a bill to formalize the country’s free education policy into law, with plans to present it to parliament for approval, President Hakainde Hichilema has announced .
Speaking at a school in Lusaka, Hichilema said the legislation would strengthen the policy introduced by his administration, which has already helped return over 2.5 million children to school.
“Cabinet approved it yesterday (Tuesday) and it will go to parliament to make free education legal. I am confident parliament will pass the bill without hesitation,” he said, noting that the law would come into force once he signs it.
The free education programme, introduced soon after Hichilema assumed office in 2021, has been supported by large-scale teacher recruitment, distribution of desks, and the implementation of a school feeding scheme.
The president described these efforts as critical investments in the nation’s future, emphasizing that countries that have achieved rapid development prioritized education.
He added that the initiative is already producing positive outcomes, including increased school enrolment and the rollout of a competence-based curriculum aimed at identifying students’ talents and skills early.
Hichilema stressed that education remains the “greatest equaliser” and a cornerstone for national development.
Zambia’s move to entrench free education in law represents a major step toward ensuring the policy’s long-term sustainability, guaranteeing access to schooling regardless of political transitions.
The development also comes as the ruling United Party for National Development prepares for re-election in polls scheduled for August.
