SESTUZ says 13.4pc education budget allocation inadequate

By MALUBA NTUUNDU

THE Secondary Education Teachers Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) says the 13.4 percent allocation to the education sector in the 2027 national budget is inadequate to support Government’s education programmes and ongoing reforms.

SESTUZ secretary general Anthony Mukanda said although the allocation had increased from the previous year’s budget, the adjustment was marginal and remained below the recommended 20 percent benchmark.

Mr Mukanda said in an interview that Government should progressively increase education funding to 20 percent of the national budget, in line with recommendations by international education organisations.

He said increased funding was necessary to meet the growing demands of the sector and ensure that existing programmes were effectively implemented.

Mr Mukanda cited the free education policy, school feeding programme and curriculum reforms as initiatives requiring adequate financial support to achieve their intended objectives.

He said education should not be treated merely as a social service but as an investment in the country’s future, adding that sufficient funding was critical to improving the quality of education and supporting national development.

Mr Mukanda warned that maintaining the allocation at its current level could undermine the implementation of key education programmes and make it difficult for Government to achieve its intended reforms.

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