Free Education Entrenched in Law and Pension System Reformed

President Hakainde Hichilema assented to five landmark pieces of legislation at a State House ceremony on 4 June 2026, cementing key social protection reforms into Zambia's statute books. The Education (Amendment) Act permanently enshrines the free education policy in law, guaranteeing that future generations will benefit from tuition-free public schooling from Grade 1 through Grade 12 — a policy that since its introduction in January 2022 has seen 2.6 million children return to school. The National Pension Scheme Act, the Public Service Pensions Act, the Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Act, and the Local Authorities Superannuation Act collectively overhaul Zambia's pension architecture, strengthening retirement security for workers across the public and private sectors. The signing marks a defining moment in the Hichilema administration's legacy — transforming flagship policy commitments into permanent legal protections that will endure beyond any single administration.