MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CLARIFIES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FREE EDUCATION POLICY

 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CLARIFIES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FREE EDUCATION POLICY

LUSAKA, Zambia, Wednesday 8th July, 2026 -The Ministry of Education has noted recent public commentary regarding the history of the Free Education Policy in Zambia. In the interest of promoting an informed public discourse, the Ministry wishes to clarify the legal and policy position.

There is an important distinction between the recognition of a principle in legislation and the implementation of a Government policy. The recognition of free universal education in the Education Act No. 23 of 2011 did not, in itself, amount to the existence of a Free Education Policy. Recognition of a principle in law expresses a national aspiration. A Government policy, on the other hand, exists when that aspiration is translated into concrete action through deliberate implementation, public financing and institutional support.

Before the implementation of the Free Education Policy by the New Dawn Government in 2021, public schools continued to levy user fees and other mandatory school charges. Learners were also required to pay examination fees, which constituted an additional barrier to access, progression and completion of education. The continued existence of these financial obligations meant that many children, particularly those from vulnerable households, were unable to fully enjoy their right to education.

The New Dawn Government transformed this position by implementing the Free Education Policy through the abolition of user fees and examination fees in public Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary schools. To ensure the sustainability of the policy, the Government substantially increased grants to public schools, enabling institutions to continue delivering quality education without transferring costs to parents and guardians.

The implementation of the Free Education Policy has produced unprecedented results. Since 2021, more than 2.6 million additional learners have accessed education, representing one of the most significant expansions of educational opportunity in Zambia's history. The policy has restored hope to thousands of families and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring that no child is denied education because of financial constraints.

Recognising the transformative impact of this reform, the Government has now entrenched the Free Education Policy in law through amendments to the Education Act. Free education from Early Childhood Education to Secondary School is therefore no longer only a Government policy; it is now a legal guarantee that secures the right of every eligible learner to access education free from the financial barriers that previously existed.

The Ministry therefore encourages all stakeholders to distinguish between legislative recognition and policy implementation. While earlier legislation recognised the principle of free universal education, the implementation of the Free Education Policy through the removal of user fees and examination fees, backed by Government financing commenced under the New Dawn Government. That policy has now been secured in law to safeguard its continuity for present and future generations.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to implementing policies that expand equitable access to quality education and to providing accurate information on Government programmes and reforms. Education remains the foundation of Zambia's social and economic transformation, and the Government will continue to invest in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Issued by:

(Original Signed)

Kelvin Mambwe (PhD)

Permanent Secretary-Educational Services

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION