Zambia Makes Free Education a Permanent Legal Right!

By Staff Reporter 

President Hakainde Hichilema has signed the Education (Amendment) Bill No. 6 of 2026 into law, turning the country's popular free education policy into a permanent, unbreakable legal right.

 

Key Details:

Free education is now guaranteed by law in all public schools — from Early Childhood Education (nursery) through secondary school.

 

This protects the policy introduced in 2022 from being reversed by future governments.

 

Over 2.6 million children have already returned to school since the policy began — a massive boost to access and equity.

 

This is a historic victory for Zambian families, especially the vulnerable and low-income households. Education is now a protected right that will drive long-term economic growth, reduce poverty, and build a stronger workforce for generations to come.

 

Africa is rising through education! What an inspiring move by Zambia. This sets a powerful example for the continent on investing in its greatest resource — its people.