Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima has flagged-off the distribution of 540 000 Syllabi and the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework hard copies worth 271 million Kwacha, to schools in all the districts in the country.
The media reports that speaking during the ceremony in Lusaka, Mr Syakalima indicated that printing of 1.7 million teaching modules which have also been flagged off, is almost completed, adding that distribution will soon commence.
Mr Syakalima also announced that the tender for learner textbooks and teachers’ guides for 2025 and 2026 had closed on November 10, 2025 and is currently under evaluation.
He assured the nation that the procurement process for the 2026 materials is currently underway, adding that the resources are expected to be available by February 2026.
The Minister noted that the current distribution aligns with the aspirations of the 2023 Education Policy, and the 8th National Development Plan, both of which prioritise investment in human capital as the cornerstone of national growth.
Mr Syakalima further emphasised that the distribution of the materials is a step toward ensuring that every learner in Zambia has access to relevant, inclusive, and empowering educational resources.
“My government will ensure that the quality of our educational materials reflects the quality of the Zambia we are building, one that is knowledgeable, skilled, and ready to compete and contribute globally”, he stated.
At the same event, Zambia Education Publishing House (ZEPH) Board Chairperson, Beatrice Chirwa acknowledged the earlier roll-out of soft copies but also noted that digital access remains uneven.
She however expressed happiness with the distribution of hard copies, describing it as a strategic and inclusive step which will ensure learners in rural areas receive the same quality of materials as their urban peers.
Dr Chirwa also noted that the process has re-ignited ZEPH as a vibrant state-owned publishing, printing and distribution enterprise.
“Today’s roll-out is more than a ceremony. It is a symbol of restored confidence in our public institutions and renewed hope in our classrooms”, Dr Chirwa indicated.
And in a vote of thanks, Janet Bwalya a, a learner from the University Teaching Hospital expressed gratitude to the government for the new curriculum which has not left out learners with special needs.
“Thank you for believing in us, supporting our dreams showing that every child matters. We promise to study hard and make you proud’’, she stated.
