President Hichilema Signs Landmark Education and Pension Bills

President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to five key bills, including free education and pension reforms, urging Zambians to guard against politicians seeking a return to power after mismanaging the economy.

The signed legislation includes the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026, National Pension Scheme Bill 2026, Public Service Pensions Bill 2026, Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026, and Local Authorities Superannuation Bill 2026.

The education law guarantees free schooling for all children, while pension reforms raise the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327, immediately benefiting over 17,000 retirees.

Mr. Hichilema said the reforms reflect his administration’s agenda since 2021, which included debt restructuring to free resources for education, mining revival, and social protection. He warned against leaders who previously plunged Zambia into debt through reckless borrowing, stressing that reforms must be safeguarded.

“Parents, guardians, take your children to school,there is no excuse,” he emphasized, adding that education is now positioned as a driver of economic growth.

On pensions, he noted the new laws create a holistic system that expands access, improves welfare, and enables investment opportunities for citizens.