PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his government is planning to bring a new law that will force all future presidents to continue giving free education in the country.
Since the UPND administration introduced the free education policy, over 2.3 million children who had dropped out of school due to financial constraints are now back in class.
Speaking during Independence Day celebrations at State House yesterday, President Hichilema said once free education becomes law, every other president that comes after him shall have no choice but to continue with his vision.
The Head of State explained that this is because education remained the country’s strongest equaliser and investment.
“We need economic growth, investments, trade to support our children in school. I’m moving to legislate, to decree and legislate that free education will be a legal obligation for any other president who’s coming after us. They will have no choice,” said the President.
He expressed confidence that the current sitting of Parliament would be able to pass the necessary law to secure the policy beyond his tenure.
“We believe this sitting of parliament will be able to legislate that, so that no one has a choice in this matter, because education is the best investment and equaliser,” said President Hichilema.
The President said safeguarding the policy into law would protect vulnerable families and ensure continued access to education as a tool for social and economic progress.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 25, 2025
