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President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that legislation would soon be presented to Parliament to enshrine the free education policy into law, ensuring that future governments uphold the right to education.
Speaking during an Investiture Ceremony at State House in Lusaka on Friday to commemorate Zambia’s 61st Independence Day, celebrated under the theme “Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia,” President Hichilema said the policy had transformed access to education nationwide.
He noted that 2.3 million children who were previously unable to attend school due to financial constraints were now enrolled, underscoring the far-reaching benefits of the free education programme.
“I want to state that possibly during this sitting in Parliament, we shall be making free education a legal requirement so that future governments will be bound to prioritize education and cannot change it,” Hichilema said.
He further emphasized the importance of linking education to economic growth, stressing the need to sustain development and generate resources for education and other critical sectors.
The Head of State also disclosed that Zambia and Mozambique intended to construct a power interconnector to support electricity imports and boost industrial growth.
He added that Mozambique had pledged to import Zambian beef, a move expected to strengthen trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
In his remarks, Mozambican President, Daniel Chapo, praised Zambia’s transformation into one of Africa’s most stable and economically progressive nations, saying its liberation struggle had inspired independence movements across the continent.
“The courage of Zambian freedom fighters led by First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda helped many neighbouring countries, including Mozambique, to attain their freedom. Several Mozambican liberation fighters were based in Zambia,” Chapo said.
He recalled Zambia’s historic role in Mozambique’s independence, noting that September 7 remains a national holiday in Mozambique in honour of the Lusaka Accord signed in 1975, which paved the way for the country’s freedom.
Chapo added that Zambia and Mozambique were now deepening cooperation through joint economic ventures in energy, transport, and logistics.
Earlier, Hichilema and Chapo led dignitaries, including Cabinet Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps, in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue during the 61st Independence celebrations.
Meanwhile, Hichilema pardoned 163 inmates from various correctional facilities across the country to mark the occasion.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, said the presidential pardon—comprising 148 men and 15 women—symbolized forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation.
“The gesture reflects the spirit of forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation that defines the Independence celebrations,” Mwiimbu said, urging politicians and the public to refrain from interfering with the operations of the Zambia Correctional Service.
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