President Hichilema reaffirms commitment to Teachers’ recruitment

President Hakainde Hichilema has assured Teachers and the nation that the government will continue recruiting and upgrading teachers as part of sustained efforts to strengthen the education sector and improve learning outcomes across the country.

The President has called on unemployed trained teachers to remain hopeful and not lose morale, stating that the government is committed to expanding recruitment as fiscal space improves.

President Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s continued support to teachers, describing them as highly valued professionals who play a critical role in shaping the minds, character, and future of learners.

“I want you to continue doing what you are doing and be aware that you are critical to the development agenda of the country,” President Hichilema said.

The Head of State was speaking when he officiated at the Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Jubilee Celebration held in Lusaka district.

The media reports that President Hichilema reiterated the importance of teachers in national development, noting that they contribute significantly to economic growth through the provision of quality education that builds a skilled and productive workforce.

He further called for the extension of internship programmes to Secondary School level, explaining that expanding internships beyond tertiary institutions would enable pupils and students to acquire practical skills and secure employment earlier in life.

On free education, the President said the policy remains a top priority for his government, emphasising that every child is entitled to quality education as a basic necessity.

He explained that the government has deliberately prioritised education by redirecting resources from non-essential expenditure to the sector, describing education as Zambia’s most critical economic sector, the best investment, the greatest equaliser, and the nation’s most valuable inheritance.

President Hichilema said the introduction of free education has necessitated massive teacher recruitment due to increased enrolment, adding that government interventions such as school feeding programmes, meal allowances, student loans and bursaries, and the expansion of Early Childhood Education centers are transforming the sector.

The President called for continued partnership between government, unions, and other stakeholders to further improve the learning environment and enhance the welfare of both teachers and learners.

He urged unions to maintain a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, saying peaceful engagement is key to national stability and progress.

President Hichilema also encouraged teachers to help learners identify and nurture their talents, while calling on the Ministry of Education to reintroduce career guidance in schools to assist learners in making informed career choices.

He stressed that skills training and digital learning are essential in reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship among the youth, and commended the Ministry of Education for introducing the new school curriculum with a strong focus on practical skills.

On the civil servants ‘salary matters, the President assured teachers that the government is aware of ongoing negotiations between unions and government, and said the issue of salary adjustments will be concluded soon.

Earlier, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima announced that the government is finalising the construction of 165 Secondary Schools across the country.

Mr Syakalima also disclosed that additional schools supported by the World Bank are nearing completion.

The Minister further revealed that the number of students accessing government bursaries has increased from 23,000 in 2021 to 53,000 in 2025, reflecting expanded access to higher education.

Meanwhile, BETUZ General Secretary, Henry Sinkala thanked President Hichilema for officiating at the jubilee celebrations, saying his presence demonstrated the high premium the government places on education.

Mr Sinkala said over 40,000 teachers have been recruited in the past four years, with BETUZ membership growing from 35,000 in 2021 to more than 72,000 in 2025.

He also highlighted BETUZ’s investment ventures, including the establishment of a finance company and the acquisition of land for teachers, aimed at improving teachers’ livelihoods.

During the celebrations, BETUZ honored President Hichilema in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the education sector.