Govt Launches Milk in Schools to Boost Nutrition

The Government of Zambia has announced plans to introduce a milk component to the national school feeding programme this year, in a move aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of meals provided to learners across the country.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kelvin Mambwe, said the initiative has been provided for in the 2026 national budget and will be rolled out through partnerships with the private sector to supply milk to Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres.

According to a statement issued to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in Botswana, Julia Malunga, Dr Mambwe said the programme is designed to improve the health, concentration and overall learning outcomes of pupils.

“The Government of Zambia has this year included in the national budget allocation a component for milk to enhance meal quality. With this funding, the private sector will be engaged to supply milk to Early Childhood Education centres,” he said.

“This has made it possible to enrich school menus with nutritious foods, improving the health and concentration of learners,” he added.

Dr Mambwe was speaking during a side event on Public-Private Partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms to enhance investment in school meals, held during the 11th Africa Day of School Feeding in Gaborone, Botswana.

The event was convened under the theme, “Ensuring access to nutritious meals, clean water and hygiene,” and brought together stakeholders to explore sustainable strategies for strengthening school feeding programmes across the continent