Zambia Takes The Lead In Africa’s Fight Against Learning Poverty.

Zambia has made history as the first country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to launch the End Learning Poverty for All in Africa Campaign, a landmark initiative aimed at addressing literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning gaps among children.

The campaign was officially launched at an event where Honourable Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education, delivered a speech on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema. In his address, he highlighted the urgent need to address learning poverty, emphasizing education as a key driver of national development.

"Education is a fundamental human right and a catalyst for unlocking human potential. Addressing learning poverty is as important as tackling extreme monetary poverty, malnutrition, and hunger," said Syakalima, speaking on behalf of President Hichilema.

The initiative, backed by the African Union (AU) and key partners such as the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and UNICEF, aims to enhance early learning through a competency-based approach that integrates traditional literacy and numeracy with social-emotional learning.

President Hichilema, through Minister Syakalima, called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the education crisis, urging government institutions and stakeholders to work together to sustain and accelerate reforms. He also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to data-driven policy decisions that improve learning outcomes.

The launch of the End Learning Poverty Campaign marks a major step in Zambia’s efforts to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all. The initiative is expected to set a precedent for other African nations in the fight against learning poverty.