The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has welcomed the increased allocation to early Childhood Education in the 2026 National budget from two point five percent in 2025 to three percent in 2026. Speaking during the policy forum on advocating for appropriate Early…

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has welcomed the increased allocation to early Childhood Education in the 2026 National budget from two point five percent in 2025 to three percent in 2026.

Speaking during the policy forum on advocating for appropriate Early Childhood Education (ECE) Legislation, policies and structures in Lusaka, ZANEC Board Chairperson, Henry Kabwe, noted that the increment signals growing Government attention to foundational learning and investment in the early years of a child.

Mr Kabwe noted that his institution recognises the construction of Early Childhood Education Centers under the Zambia Education Enhancement Project as a vital step towards expanding access to safe and appropriate learning spaces for young children.

 He added that increased investment can only deliver tangible results only if it is matched by effective implementation, quality assurance and accountability.

Mr Kabwe however noted that there are some challenges that seem to limit the reach and quality of Early Child Education such as, inadequate and unsustainable public financing, limited Implementation of inclusive education, inequitable access to quality ECE services and weak Coordination among sectors.

The Board Chairperson stated that these challenges require more than policy commitments but legislation, adequate and sustainable financing and strong accountability mechanisms.

Mr Kabwe, further disclosed that at the end of the ZANEC discussion with its stakeholders, a shared understanding of the current state of early Childhood education in Zambia, identification of key policy and implementation gaps, strengthened attention to vulnerable children should be reached.

He revealed that he expects that greater accountability and coordination, clear and practical advocacy priorities and recommendations should be highlighted and addressed in the meeting.

And UNICEF Zambia’s Early Childhood Development Education Specialist, Zewelanji Serpell said the increase in the budget allocation from the current three percent of the education budget to at least 10 percent is critical to expanding access and improving the quality of early childhood education.

Ms Serpell noted that her organisaton is working with the Ministry of Education, particularly the Early Childhood Education Directorate, to support the construction of stand-alone ECE centers, production of teaching and learning materials, and teacher training and capacity building.

She added that through funding from the European Union, her organisation has since supported the construction of stand-alone ECE centers in North-Western and Luapula Provinces, while also partnering with the Ministry in the production of materials to support the implementation of quality ECE.

She further reiterated that her organisation will continue to work with the Government to strengthen ECE, including supporting the implementation of the new ECE curriculum and advocacy for increased investment, so that every Zambian child can access quality early childhood education.