As Malawi expands its free education programme, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has also signed a new law guaranteeing free education, formally protecting the policy in legislation and ensuring children cannot be denied schooling because of an inability to pay fees.
Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, placing Zambia’s free education policy into law and making it a legal entitlement for children across the country.
The bill was among five pieces of legislation signed by the President at State House in Lusaka on 5 June, but the education measure is being presented by the government as a major step in securing access to schooling for future generations.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hichilema described the development as “a truly historic day for Zambia.”
“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,” he said.
According to State House, the free education policy was introduced in January 2022 and has since contributed to the return of about 2.6 million children to school.
The Presidency said the new law safeguards the gains made under the programme and provides a legal foundation for its continuation.
State House said the legislation reflects the government’s view that education is a key tool for expanding opportunity and supporting long-term economic development.
Speaking after signing the bill, Hichilema urged parents and guardians to ensure their children attend school.
“Parents, guardians, take your children to school, there is no excuse,” he said.
The President also linked the education reforms to his administration’s broader economic agenda, arguing that measures such as debt restructuring had helped create fiscal space for investment in social services.
The legal protection of free education marks a significant policy shift in Zambia’s education sector, moving the programme from a government initiative to a statutory obligation.
