Zambia’s Education Minister Applauds UK for Advancing Leadership and Learning
Zambia’s Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has commended the United Kingdom for its long-standing support in strengthening education and leadership development through Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.
Speaking at a farewell reception for this year’s cohort of scholars at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Lusaka, Hon. Syakalima described the UK’s scholarship programmes as “strategic investments” in Zambia’s future.
“The Zambian Government remains committed to nurturing enduring partnerships between our people and the UK, and to deepening appreciation for the shared values and achievements that unite us,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the scholarships transcend academic opportunity, serving as catalysts for innovation, leadership, and national development. He noted that beneficiaries have contributed to building capacity across diverse sectors including law, public health, economics, food science, and development.
This year, 17 Zambian scholars will pursue postgraduate studies in the UK—10 under the Chevening scheme, now in its 42nd cohort since 1983, and seven under the Commonwealth programme, which is in its 56th cohort since 1969.
Hon. Syakalima expressed confidence that the scholars would return with skills and expertise essential to advancing Zambia’s development agenda.
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to fostering excellence and mutual understanding through education. She revealed that more than 1,200 Zambians have benefited from Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships since their inception.
“This year alone, the UK Government received 90,000 applications globally and only 1,000 candidates were selected, including 17 from Zambia,” she said. The scholars will study disciplines such as medicine, international development, food science, and artificial intelligence.
The High Commissioner further highlighted that Chevening remains the UK’s flagship scholarship programme, offering fully funded postgraduate opportunities, administered in Zambia by the British Council on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
