Education in Zambia

Zambia has some of the lowest learning levels in the world. In 2021, only 4% of grade 2 students could read at grade level, which declined 10% from 2018. While 88% of children attend primary school, they are not developing basic skills, and there are disparities in access to education related to geographic location, gender and disability.

The government is working with GPE and other partners to enhance inclusive quality teaching and learning at pre-primary and early primary levels. Zambia’s Partnership Compact describes plans for a holistic and transformative approach to education reform, where every student can thrive in a supportive and quality learning environment.

1. New pre-primary and primary teaching and learning materials will be aligned with the new curriculum established in 2023 and address textbook shortages; and data-informed recruitment of more teachers will help ensure classrooms are less crowded.
2. Teacher training will focus on implementation of the new curriculum as well as assessment-informed instruction, differentiated learning and gender-responsive teaching.
3. System capacity to deliver education will be strengthened through better data production and use, including a digitalized national assessment system and a digital platform for teacher management.
4. Gender-responsive and inclusive education measures applied to teaching and learning materials, teacher training and data collection tools are expected to reduce systemic disparities.

As part of its investment in civil society advocacy and social accountability efforts, GPE’s Education Out Loud fund is supporting:

• National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) for the 2024-2026 period.
• The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) for the 2024-2026 period. This builds on previous support from the Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF).
• The Tax Education Alliance (TaxEd) led by ActionAid International for the 2024-2026 period.
• The Transnational Networks Advocacy Capacity strengthened for improved ECDE legislation, policies and measures in Southern Africa (TRANAC) led by Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development (ZINECDA) for the 2023-2026 period.

Learn more

• Zambia is part of the KIX Africa 19 hub.
• KIX research projects:
  • Optimizing teacher professional development at scale: Design-based implementation research for enhanced impact and sustainability
  • Scaling refugee teacher inclusion models for enhanced agency and well-being

Learn more