Zambia has taken a historic step by turning free education from a policy promise into a guaranteed right through the Education (Amendment) Act 2026. This new law ensures that free public education cannot be undone by successive governments without parliamentary approval, promising lasting access for millions of children across the country.
- Free education now legally guaranteed from early childhood to secondary school
- More than 2.6 million children enrolled in school after fees were removed in 2022
- Law requires parliamentary approval for reversal, protecting education access
What happened
In June 2026, Zambia passed the Education (Amendment) Act, embedding free education for every child from early childhood through secondary school into the country’s legal framework. This legislation builds on the 2022 policy that eliminated school fees, a move that immediately increased school enrollment by over 2.6 million children. By making the policy a legal right, Zambia has created a safeguard against potential future governments reversing this important progress without parliamentary consent.
President Hakainde Hichilema signed the amendment into law amid growing recognition that access to quality education should not be subject to the shifting priorities of political administrations. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango emphasized the intention to create a stable foundation for education access nationwide. The classrooms, teachers, and students look the same day-to-day, but beneath the surface, this law marks a fundamental shift from a policy promise to an inviolable educational right.
Why it feels good
The law represents a crucial step toward equity and opportunity for Zambia’s children, particularly those from families previously unable to afford school fees. After the fee abolition in 2022, millions of children returned to school, demonstrating how removing financial barriers can significantly boost enrollment and give children a chance to learn and thrive. This momentum carries reassurance that education will remain accessible regardless of future political changes.
Beyond enrollment numbers, Zambia has shown improvements in education outcomes, including a record 70 percent pass rate for Grade 12 in 2025. Expanded investments in classroom construction, teacher hiring, and school feeding programs further underline a commitment to enhancing both access and quality. The legal protection of these gains offers hope that Zambia’s education system will continue advancing inclusively across urban and rural areas alike.
What to enjoy or watch next
While Zambia’s new law guarantees a right to free education, the challenge now is ensuring that quality keeps pace with increased enrollment. The real test will be sustained investment to support teacher quality, manageable class sizes, and equitable resources across diverse regions. Education advocates and the public alike can watch closely as Zambia moves forward to build on this legal foundation by strengthening the learning environment itself.
Zambia’s experience joins a wider story across Africa, where countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa have also adopted fee-free schooling with varying successes and challenges. Observers should look for how Zambia balances expanding access with improving educational outcomes and whether other nations follow its lead to protect free education in law. For millions of Zambian children, the door to learning is now more firmly open — a promise to cherish and an opportunity to build upon.