The Government of Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education by allocating K33.0 billion, representing 13% of the 2026 National Budget, to the sector.

Government allocates 13% of 2026 Budget to Education

Increase the share of education in the national budget

The government of Zambia has fully funded the Examinations Council of Zambia in readiness for the year 2022 Examinations.

The government funded Examinations Council of Zambia in readiness for 2022 Examinations.

The government released K442.2 million to all schools, the final grant allocation under the free education programme.

Government disbursed full grant allocation for free education to schools

Government increased Education budget by 32%

Education budget increased

Government has announced that under the ongoing 2025 health personnel recruitment process will recruit 210 doctors&nbsp;

Government to employ 210 doctors

Improve the quality and availability of micro community level care and health services

Government has released K23 million to address the sanitation issues at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Road campus

K23m for UNZA clean up

Increase budget allocation for water and sanitation and release such allocation timely

Government has approved and introduced in parliament the &nbsp;the Education (Amendment) Bill of 2026

Free education law on horizon

Empower Zambian women and young people through providing free education, access to land, business opportunities, meaningful employment and participation in governance

The Government of Zambia launched revised Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS) guidelines and handed over a K47.4M fleet to 17 districts for service delivery

The Government of Zambia expanded the social cash transfers

Improve social cash transfers

The government of Zambia through NAPSA has disbursed K10 billion in partial withdrawals to members since the inception of the Programme in 2023, marking a significant step in providing access to funds amid financial challenges.&nbsp;

The Zambian Government thrugh the National Pensions and Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has paid out K10 Billion Kwacha since inception of the Programme

Introduce partial withdrawal of pension contributions for specific purposes

The government of Zambia on June 4, 2026, through President Hakainde Hichilema enacted four significant Pension Bills: the Public Service Pensions Bill, the National Pension Scheme Bill, the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill, and the Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill, all from 2026. These legislative changes are designed to reform Zambia's pension system by increasing benefits, broadening access to retirement savings, and bolstering the long-term viability of pension schemes.

President Hichilema Signs Pension Bills Into Law

Reform diversification of retirement income sources

The government of Zambia has announced that it has begun reforms to strengthen and ensure the financial stability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIMA). These reforms include revising contribution methods, increasing government funding for the poor, aligning the Essential Health Services Benefits Package with NHIMA to prevent service duplication, and investing in public health facilities to reduce overcrowding and dependence on private providers.

Zambia Strengthens National Health Insurance

Reform the National Health Insurance system

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services launched three National Disability Reports

Government launches national disability reports to enhance inclusion

No Zambian should be discriminated based on creed, tribe, gender, physical ability or political affiliation

The government has invested K250 million towards the building of a national drug rehabilitation and skills development centre in Lusaka.
&nbsp;

K250 million set aside for the national rehabilitation and skills development centre in Lusaka.

Create centres of specialisation locally through partnerships with private sector

The government of Zambia, through Minister Nzovu, unveiled a new WARMA board and urged for stiffer penalties and expedited permits to accelerate water sector reforms. These measures aim to enhance regulation, ensure sustainable water management, and improve service delivery across the sector.

The government has unveiled a new Board for the Water Resources Management Authority

Revive the WASH sector advisory group

The Zambian government is now paying newly hired teachers their first salaries before they start working, a policy announced by Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa as a boost to both education and government efficiency.

Zambia’s New Policy: Teachers Now Paid Before Reporting for Duty

Respect, support, empower and reward our teachers, tutors and lecturers

Former NAPSA Director General Aubrey Chibumba highlighted that the recent revision of the maximum monthly deductible employee contribution to K1,708.20 for 2025 is aimed at enhancing individual future benefits and allowing lower earners to qualify for minimum benefits. The adjustment also raises the combined maximum statutory contribution for employees and employers to ZMW 3,416.40 in response to changes implemented by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

National Pension Scheme Contributions adjusted upwards

Improve the adequacy of retirement benefits

The Government of Zambia has taken the management of bursaries to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. This change was communicated in a statement issued to ZNBC News by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, Brilliant Habenzu. Previously, these bursaries were administered by the Ministry of Technology and Science.&nbsp;

Government takes bursaries management to Local Governement

Reform the bursary and student loan system

The Ministry of&nbsp; Education is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive syllabus for implementation in schools under the new curriculum. This follows the recent announcement of the government&rsquo;s plans to introduce a new curriculum aimed at improving the quality of education and equipping learners with skills for the modern world.

Ministry of Education Developing New Syllabus

Align the content of the educational curriculum with the needs of industry

Government has allocated 28.3 million Kwacha to be used for cash for work initiatives in Eastern province

Chipangali gets K28.3m for Cash for Work

Introduce work and saving incentives

The Zambian Parliament passed legislation making it illegal for individuals under 18 to marry, including under customary law.

Amendment to Marriage Act Enacted, Child Marriage Outlawed

Track and address challenges that girl children face to ensure equal access to education

President Hakainde Hichilema urges youths to uphold and preserve their culture during the Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony in Kazungula District.&nbsp;

President Hichilema Urges Young People To Preserve Culture

Promote culture, arts and sport

The Zambian government has started revising the curriculum to enhance the standard of education, foster skills development, and uphold national values.

NAQEZ Applauds Governments Decision To Overhaul School Curriculum

Improve quality and range of education courses available, combined with respectable education facilities

The Minister of Sports, Youth and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, said that the Government is in the process of rehabilitating and constructing mini sports stadia at the national, provincial and district levels.

Zambia prioritises sports infrastructure development as an essential aspect of sports development.

Build sustainable sports structures and programmes in line with UNDP 2030 Agenda

Government has launched a new citizens&rsquo; empowerment program in the transport sector where 140 vehicles &nbsp;have been given as loans to citizens from the 10 Provinces. The transport empowerment program will enhance the entrepreneurial spirit among citizens&rsquo; especially young people so that they value themselves and not be misled by politicians.

Transport empowerment program launched

Encourage the young generation to see their value and prevent then from being used for violence during elections

The government secured internships for 600 students in the US.

Government facilitates internship opportunities for students

Develop education-industry linkages and foster innovation and entrepreneurship

The government purchased bulk medical supplies from Egypt to improve accessibility of medicines in Zambia's hospitals.

Government Procures Bulk medical supplies to boost healthcare sector

Ensure secure, utilised, accounted for health care inputs to eventually be self-sufficient

ZICTA Installs 12,120 Computers At 500 Schools in collaboration with Ministry of Education

ZICTA Installs 12,120 Computers At 500 Schools

Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools

President Hichilema assented to the National Pensions Scheme Bill which provides for an option to claim one off-age benefit by a member under the prescribed minimum pensionable age of 36 under the existing fund.

President Hichilema assent to the National Pensions Scheme Bill

Reform pension system administrative efficiency

&nbsp;Six Zambian doctors travel to India to conduct kidney transplants as part of a government exchange program aimed to facilitate the transfer of skills.

Exchange Program with India

Ensure training of health personnel meets international standards

The Hakainde Hichilema Innovation Fund, an ICT innovation fund which is between Government and Huawei has been launched. Through the fund, youths will get scholarships for ICT innovation and an innovation hub will be set up at the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) to be housed at Government Complex in Lusaka

Innovation and ICT fund between government and Huawei  launched.

Investing in educational facilities that offer training in the field of science and technology

Minister of Health launched the 2022-2026 digital health strategy to reform digital health governance and develop digital workforce capabilities.

Government launches 2022-2026 digital health strategy

Introduce policies to improve health financing resources

The Zambian Government launched an almost USD $6 billion Water Investment Programme, aimed to provide access to clean water and decent sanitation.

Zambia Water Investment Programme launched

Enhance M&E for WASH expenditures

The Mwansabombwe District Social Welfare Office successfully conducted elections for 25 new Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs). The new office bearers have since been ushered into office.

25 New Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) In Mwansabombwe District elected Into Office.

Promote a culture of meritocracy for appointments to national positions

The Local Government Association of Zambia ( LGAZ ) with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities launched the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation of Women in Local Leadership programme.

Partnerships for Municipal Innovation of Women in Local Leadership programme launched.

Strive for gender equality in government representation

The government released K1.46 billion for social protection programmes.

K1.46 billion released for social protection programmes.

Depoliticise the social cash transfer scheme

Hakainde Hichilema held a meeting with the University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union.

Hakainde Hichilema held a meeting with University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union.

Provide a consultative and non-confrontational platform for government to engage with professors, teachers, scholars and students

Ministry of Health develops disaster risk recovery guidelines.

Ministry of Health develops disaster risk recovery guidelines.

Put in place policies that will address the effects of pandemics like COVID-19

&nbsp;Government allocated 41 million Kwacha to the men and women&rsquo;s senior national football teams.

41 million Kwacha allocated to the men and women’s senior national football teams.

Identify and develop support mechanisms, strategies and programmes to achieve 2020-2030 sport policy framework

Reform investment mandates to avoid white elephant projects

Develop incentives for industry players to take on students and graduates

President Hichilema challenges councils to improve health service delivery

Citizens Watch

Promise

Promise History

Government allocates 13% of 2026 Budget to Education

The government funded Examinations Council of Zambia in readiness for 2022 Examinations.

Government disbursed full grant allocation for free education to schools

Education budget increased