NUPPEZ DEMANDS 20% EDUCATION FUNDING

Union says increased investment is needed to address teacher shortages, improve teachers' welfare and provide better learning facilities ahead of the 2027 Budget.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — November 1, 2026 — The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has called on Government to increase funding for education to at least 20 per cent of the 2027 National Budget, saying more resources are needed to improve conditions in schools and support teachers and learners.

NUPPEZ Executive President Charity Kampamba said the growing demands on the education system require greater financial commitment, particularly in teacher recruitment, infrastructure development and the provision of learning materials.

With Government expected to present the 2027 National Budget on Friday, November 6, the Union says the allocation to education should reflect the importance of the sector to the country's future.

NUPPEZ noted that education received approximately K33.04 billion, representing 13 per cent of the 2026 National Budget.

The Union wants this allocation increased to at least 20 per cent, in line with internationally recognised education financing benchmarks.

While acknowledging Government's progress in recruiting teachers and enacting the Free Education Policy into law, NUPPEZ says the sector still faces challenges that require sustained investment.

The Union is concerned that the growing number of learners is placing additional pressure on the available teaching workforce, making further recruitment necessary.

It wants the 2027 Budget to provide for more teachers and ensure their fair distribution across all provinces so that schools have adequate staff.

NUPPEZ has also raised concerns about teachers' welfare, calling for better accommodation and improved working conditions.

The Union says teachers need proper support and a conducive working environment to deliver quality education.

School infrastructure and learning materials are also among its priorities.

NUPPEZ wants Government to increase investment in classrooms and provide schools with essential teaching and learning materials to improve the learning environment.

The Union has further called for adequate funding across all levels of education, from early childhood to tertiary institutions, to ensure that children have access to learning opportunities regardless of where they live or their families' economic circumstances.

Kampamba said investment in education was important for preparing a skilled and productive workforce that would contribute to Zambia's economic transformation and the aspirations of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The Union maintains that education should be viewed as a long-term investment in the country's development rather than an ordinary government expense.

NUPPEZ says the 2027 Budget should therefore respond to the needs of teachers and learners through increased funding, improved working conditions and better educational facilities.