Surge in Pupil Numbers Following Zambia's Free Education Programme

A free education initiative in Zambia has resulted in a significant rise in student enrolment, with two million additional pupils attending schools since its introduction in 2021. However, the surge has exposed infrastructure deficiencies, affecting education quality. Overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of teachers, and insufficient resources are prevalent issues, as highlighted by UNICEF.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima views the congestion as a "good problem," asserting, “I’d rather let the children be in a congested classroom than in the street.” To address the challenges, Zambia plans to construct 170 new schools and hire 55,000 teachers by 2026, with 37,000 already recruited. Despite the hurdles, the government’s efforts align with the African Union's "Year of Education 2024" initiative, aiming to enhance education quality across the continent.

The initiative has seen 87.9% of children enrolled in primary education, although secondary school enrolment remains at 42.9%, with a transition rate of 67.5% from primary to secondary education. As more children gain access to education, the focus now shifts to ensuring the quality matches the increased access.