The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released K806.1 million in fourth-quarter school grants, completing the Government’s 2026 allocation of more than K2.3 billion to public schools. The funding is intended to support the implementation of free education, sustain essential school operations and ease the financial burden on parents and guardians. Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the funds were released through the Ministry of Education within the first two weeks of the fourth quarter. He said the grants would support school feeding programmes, the procurement of teaching and learning materials, learner welfare programmes and the maintenance of school infrastructure. “We are aware that timely financing allows administrators to plan expenditures and minimise disruptions to learning. The Treasury considers predictable school grants as an important investment in human capital development,” Dr Musokotwane said. He noted that reducing education-related costs, particularly for vulnerable households, would help keep children in school and strengthen the delivery of free education. However, Dr Musokotwane said expanding access to education must be accompanied by improvements in the quality of learning. He explained that sustained investment in learning materials, learner welfare and school facilities was intended to improve the learning environment and equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Zambia’s economic transformation. The minister urged school authorities to prioritise essential needs, adhere to procurement and financial management procedures, and account for every Kwacha received. He emphasised that compliance with public financial management regulations was mandatory and non-negotiable. “Accounting staff in schools and other public institutions are expected to provide timely and accurate financial guidance to management and supervisory authorities, ensuring that all expenditure decisions comply with established procedures. Any misapplication of funds, unauthorised expenditure, and failure to account for public resources will not be accepted,” he warned. With the full 2026 allocation released, Dr Musokotwane said school authorities must ensure prudent utilisation of the funds, accountability and value for money in line with Ministry of Education guidelines. He said the ultimate measure of the grants’ impact should be reflected in improved learning conditions, better educational outcomes and sustained financial relief for Zambian families.