K35m Chilanga School Delivered
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia 24 -- (07-05-2026) --- A K35 million secondary school sponsored by United Capital Fertilizer has been commissioned in Lusaka’s Chilanga Constituency, marking a major expansion in education infrastructure driven by private sector investment in partnership with government.
The newly built Mutinta Hichilema Secondary School is expected to improve access to secondary education in the fast-growing area and ease congestion in surrounding schools, where enrolment has continued to rise due to the expansion of free education.
She described the school as more than a building, calling it a symbol of opportunity, dignity and hope for learners.
She said it reflects the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector and communities.
“I am humbled, but more importantly, I see this as a call to continue advocating for children who need education the most,” she said.
Mrs. Hichilema highlighted progress under the free education policy, noting that more than two million additional learners have been enrolled nationwide.
She also said the School Feeding Programme is now reaching over four million learners, improving attendance and classroom performance.
She further emphasized inclusive education, pointing to ongoing support for learners with disabilities through specialised centres and scholarship programmes targeting girls and students in higher learning institutions.
The First Lady said she was humbled by the decision to name the school after her, stressing that it should serve as a reminder of the need to continue advocating for children’s right to education, especially for vulnerable groups.
She noted that the development reflects the strength of partnerships between government, the private sector and communities in advancing education.
Highlighting progress under the free education policy, Mrs. Hichilema said more than two million additional learners had been enrolled in schools nationwide, easing financial pressure on families and expanding access to education.
She also said the School Feeding Programme is now reaching over four million learners, improving attendance and concentration in classrooms.
She added that total national enrolment has now grown to about seven million learners and could reach 10 million in the coming years as infrastructure continues to expand.
She also referenced scholarship programmes supported through partners such as the MICK Foundation, which have assisted girls with disabilities in special schools in Kasama and Eastern Province, as well as students in higher learning institutions including the National Institute of Public Administration, Lewanika School of Nursing and the University of Zambia.
Mrs. Hichilema said the newly commissioned school would also offer a second chance to learners affected by challenges such as early marriages and teenage pregnancies, allowing them to return to education.
She urged learners to remain disciplined and committed to their studies, saying education remains the strongest foundation for a better future.
Education Minister Douglas Syakalima said the government’s free education policy has significantly expanded access to schooling, with more than two million previously out-of-school children now enrolled.
He said total enrolment has risen to about seven million learners nationwide and could reach 10 million in the coming years as infrastructure continues to expand.
The minister said more than 44,000 teachers have been recruited under the policy to meet rising demand.
He also noted that Zambia recently recorded a 73.29 percent Grade 12 examination pass rate, one of the strongest in recent years.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga praised the First Lady for prioritising education and healthcare projects that benefit vulnerable communities.
He said she has consistently used her influence to support development projects that directly improve people’s lives.
Mulenga said investments such as the new school demonstrate the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector in driving development.
He also urged other investors to emulate United Capital Fertiliser by contributing to social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and roads.
He said ZNS provided land for the school, prepared the site and will oversee its management and sustainability.
He said the institution is expanding its role in education delivery through its upgraded education branch.
He added that the school will reduce long distances travelled by learners, especially girls, improving access, retention and performance.
Solochi said the service has upgraded its Education Directorate into a full branch mandated to establish and manage schools across the country.
He said the aim is to combine discipline with academic excellence through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
He added that trained personnel have already been deployed to support the school’s operations and assured that it will be run to high standards.
He commended all partners involved in the project and described the timing of the handover, which coincided with the First Lady’s birthday, as a “wonderful coincidence.”
Chilanga Member of Parliament Sipho Hlazo said the school responds to rising enrolment pressures, with numbers increasing from 44,201 learners in 2023 to 61,000 in 2026.
He said the free education policy has driven demand for more infrastructure and praised the collaboration between government, ZNS and United Capital Fertilizer in delivering the project.
He said primary school enrolment has also risen sharply, placing additional strain on existing infrastructure.
Hlazo said the new secondary school will help absorb learners transitioning from primary to secondary level, warning that without expansion, many children risk being left without school places.
He said the project was made possible through a partnership between government, ZNS and United Capital Fertiliser, following discussions that began in December 2024.
He explained that land was secured through ZNS, while technical approvals were completed within days, allowing construction to proceed rapidly.
He praised the private sector partner for responding quickly and said the project demonstrates the impact of collaboration in accelerating development.
He also urged the community to protect the facility and ensure it is used strictly for education, stressing that its success depends on shared responsibility.
The school is expected to begin operations in the upcoming academic cycle.
Speaking on behalf of Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, Minister Counsellor Wang Sheng said the school reflects growing cooperation between Zambia and China in education and human development.
He said Chinese support extends beyond infrastructure to include scholarships, institutional partnerships and exchange programmes aimed at empowering young people.
Wang said the newly constructed school includes 15 classrooms, two libraries, two computer rooms, science laboratories, dining facilities, a clinic room, administrative offices and teacher accommodation.
The facility is designed to accommodate about 500 learners and includes access to clean water, electricity and solar lighting, as well as a football field for sports and extracurricular activities.
He said Chinese companies operating in Zambia remain committed to corporate social responsibility alongside their commercial investments.
Wang also noted that the company behind United Capital Fertiliser has invested significantly in Zambia and continues to contribute to social development initiatives.
United Capital Fertiliser Company Limited, a subsidiary of Wonderful Group of Companies, said the project reflects its long-term commitment to supporting Zambia’s development through investment in social infrastructure.
Wonderful Group Chief Executive Officer Huang Yaochi said the company operates in agriculture, chemicals, energy and construction materials, and employs over 7,200 people in Zambia.
He said beyond business operations, the company has invested in community projects including schools, police vehicles, and basic services such as water and electricity.
Over the past five years, he said, the group has expanded its corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of its contribution to national development.
“Education is central to national progress. We believe investing in young people is investing in Zambia’s future,” he said.
He added that the company hopes learners will take advantage of the opportunity to build successful futures through discipline and hard work.
“You are the future of Zambia. Some of you will become doctors, engineers, teachers and leaders who will shape this nation,” he said.
He also urged the surrounding community to protect and take ownership of the facility to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Wonderful Group Chairperson Gilbert Temba said the project demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to education as a driver of development.
He said the school has been built with modern facilities to create a conducive learning environment for both learners and teachers.
Temba said the investment supports government efforts under the free education policy and reflects the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He expressed gratitude to government institutions, the Chilanga Member of Parliament, local leadership and the community for their support during construction.
He said the school is part of a broader programme by the company to support sustainable development projects across Zambia.
The commissioning of the school highlights growing collaboration between the private sector and government in expanding education access and easing pressure on public infrastructure in rapidly growing areas like Chilanga.
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