Zambia Reaffirms Strong Educational Ties with the United Kingdom
The Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has emphasised Zambia’s enduring partnership with the United Kingdom, noting the UK’s significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic and educational development.
Speaking through Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary – Administration, Ms. Noriana Muneku, at a welcome event for 20 returning Chevening and Commonwealth scholars who completed their studies in 2025, Hon. Syakalima described the bilateral relationship as evolving beyond diplomacy into a collaboration that benefits students and communities across Zambia.
“The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that every learner in every district has access to quality education and pathways to opportunity, because education is a powerful bridge between potential and prosperity,” he said.
Hon. Syakalima highlighted the long-standing impact of Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, noting that since 1985 and 1969 respectively, scholars have contributed significantly to Zambia’s leadership and development.
He urged returning scholars to recognise that scholarships “do not just change individual lives but rewrite national destinies,” and encouraged them to apply their knowledge to transform Zambia.
United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr. Simon Jackson, praised Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships as part of the UK’s world-class education offerings.
He also highlighted UK-supported initiatives such as the Empowerment and Development for Girls Education (EDGE) programme and Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), which have reached over 760,000 children and strengthened secondary education opportunities for girls.
British Council Country Director, Mr. Ackim Banda, noted that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has supported more than 30,000 individuals globally since 1959, with over 800 Zambians benefiting from these programmes since 1960.
The event celebrated the returning scholars and reaffirmed the strong Zambia–UK partnership, rooted in shared values of education, empowerment, and leadership, and underscored the critical role of scholarships in shaping Zambia’s future.
