Education a precursor for economic growth – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says without quality education, there cannot be economic growth.

He said this when he addressed thousands of University of Zambia (UNZA) students from both Great East Road and Ridgeway campuses at State House today.

At the lively event, University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) new executives for both campuses for the 2025/2026 academic year were unveiled to President Hichilema.

He congratulated the new executives on their election and reminded them to serve diligently.

The President said the New Dawn administration values education as it is the best investment, equaliser and inheritance.

“This Government values education so much. That is why as we think of economic growth, we know that without education and skills, we cannot deliver economic development.

“No education, no economy. Where will you get the skills from to run agriculture, energy? This president values education from early childhood education to university,” he said.

The president told the cheering students that: “we love you because we understand you.”

“We support you because we understand you and that is why we have restored meal allowances.

“We know that students need accommodation. We are working very hard to complete the construction of hostels very quickly. We found an empty treasury but because education is a priority, we are working hard to complete the hostels and this will be an ongoing process because more students come in,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema also said sanitation at UNZA will be improved and that more students’ loans will be given, as the economy improves.

Students’ leaderships for Great East Road and Ridgeway campuses praised President Hichilema for feats such as reinstatement of meal allowances, among other positives in the education sector.