ZANEC Demands More Funding to Sustain Free Education
The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has urged government and stakeholders to significantly increase investment in the education sector as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE).
Observed from 20th to 25th April, the annual campaign, led by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), seeks to mobilise governments, civil society and communities to advocate for improved access to quality education.
This year’s theme, “Education Financing: Holding the Flame High for a Resilient Future,” highlights the need for sustainable and equitable funding to support inclusive education systems.
In a statement issued by ZANEC Executive Director, George Hamusunga, the coalition said while Zambia has made notable strides through initiatives such as the Free Education Policy, challenges persist due to increased enrolment and limited resources.
He noted that more than 2.5 million previously out-of-school children have returned to classrooms, placing considerable strain on infrastructure, teaching materials and human resources.
“Education financing remains a critical issue both globally and locally. While progress has been made, there is an urgent need to match increased access with improved quality,” Mr Hamusunga said.
ZANEC has since called on government to raise the education budget allocation from 13 per cent in 2026 to at least 20 per cent in 2027, in line with regional commitments under the SADC and Cairo education protocols.
The coalition further stressed the importance of investing in teachers through recruitment, training and improved working conditions, describing educators as central to achieving better learning outcomes.
It also highlighted the need for timely procurement and equitable distribution of teaching and learning materials, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to support the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Additionally, ZANEC recommended strengthening domestic resource mobilisation through progressive taxation and exploring innovative financing options, including a potential education levy on selected high-consumption goods.
The organisation also called for transparent and equitable allocation of resources, with a focus on marginalised communities, and urged government to safeguard education funding from cuts during periods of economic instability.
Despite the concerns, ZANEC commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia for ongoing reforms and increased budgetary commitments to the sector, while emphasising the need for sustained efforts to ensure quality education for all.
“As we commemorate GAWE 2026, all stakeholders must work together to ensure that education remains a public good and a fundamental human right for every Zambian child,” Mr Hamusunga said.
