Zambia’s implementation of free primary and secondary education has led to a surge in student enrollment, placing significant strain on the country’s educational infrastructure. While the policy has enabled two million additional children to attend school since 2021, it has also resulted in severe overcrowding and resource shortages.
At Chanyanya Primary and Secondary School, classrooms designed for 30 students now accommodate over 100, hampering individual attention and reducing the number of subjects taught. Students arrive early to secure desks, with latecomers often forced to sit on cold floors.
The government has invested over $1 billion in education since introducing the policy, planning to build 170 new schools and recruit 55,000 teachers by 2026. However, challenges persist, including inadequate accommodation for rural teachers and concerns about declining educational quality.
Some families have responded by returning their children to private schools, worried about learning outcomes in overcrowded public classrooms. Critics question the policy’s sustainability given Zambia’s recent debt default, while the government remains committed to free education as an economic investment.
As Zambia navigates this educational transformation, balancing increased access with quality remains a critical challenge, reflecting broader issues faced by developing nations implementing universal education policies.