Zambia cites progress on free education and reduction in child marriage

Mr. Malamboi highlighted domestic social policies aimed at expanding access to education and protecting girls. He said Zambia enacted a free education act and strengthened the school feeding program, measures intended to increase enrollment and retention. He also referenced a re‑entry policy and multisectoral support systems intended to keep girls in school.

Citing measurable progress, the minister said Zambia reduced child marriage prevalence from 29% to 23.9% in four years through comprehensive legal reforms, education policies and targeted economic investments such as an expanded constituency development fund. He urged member states to support domestic action and emphasized investment in women and youth as investments in national and continental prosperity.

The statement did not provide program budgets or external funding sources for the initiatives mentioned.