President Hakainde Hichilema has said the school feeding programme is not only improving learner welfare but also creating a reliable market for local farmers.

The programme, which has been rolled out across all 116 districts of Zambia, is currently benefiting over four million learners nationwide.

Speaking this afternoon during the official launch of the programme at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School, the President highlighted the dual impact of the initiative on both education and local agriculture.

“We need to buy more food from the local areas.

“We have a programme to produce more food in Zambia. This school feeding is now providing a market for our farmers,” President Hichilema said.

He emphasised the importance of education as a cornerstone of national development, noting that the New Dawn administration continues to prioritise investment in the sector.

“That’s why this government has a clear vision that we shall invest in the education sector. Education is the best equaliser, investment and inheritance. The education sector is of economic importance,” the President said.

President Hichilema further stated that government is working to ensure that free education is implemented in a comprehensive and meaningful way.

“Free education is not just school fees removed but also examination fees. What’s the point of teaching a child for a full year who can’t sit for exams because they can’t pay their exam fees?” the President said.

He added that improvements in learner performance and school attendance are partly attributable to the school feeding programme.

“For us, education is a priority. Hence, we have rolled out the school feeding programme to all the 116 districts, regardless of the scarce resources. Four million learners are now being fed across the country,” said President Hichilema.