Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has signed into law the country’s first legislation guaranteeing free education for all children, formally entrenching a policy that has expanded access to schooling since it was introduced in 2021.
The Education Amendment Bill of 2026 makes free education a legal right, ensuring no learner can be denied a place in a public school because they cannot pay fees.
In a statement on Thursday, President Hichilema described the move as a “historic day for Zambia”, saying the legislation secures free education for future generations and strengthens protections for workers and retirees through broader reforms in the same bill.
“Today marks a truly historic day for Zambia. We have assented to landmark legislation that secures free education for future generations, strengthens pension benefits, improves retirement security, and enhances oversight of pension funds for the protection of workers and retirees,” Hichilema said.
“Free education is now firmly protected in law, ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of an inability to pay school fees.
“These reforms will improve the lives of millions of Zambians, from the classroom, to the workplace, and into retirement, while delivering greater dignity, security, and hope for our people.”
The free education policy was one of Hichilema’s flagship commitments during the 2021 election campaign and was implemented shortly after he took office.
Hichilema also signed four pension reform bills that will increase the minimum pension, provide advance lump-sum payments to about 30,000 retirees, and boost pension savings for 1.2 million NAPSA members.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s next general election is set for 13 August 2026, with a possible presidential run-off on 19 September 2026.
President Hichilema, who leads the UPND, is expected to seek a second and final five-year term under the Constitution.
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply