Hichilema Announces Recruitment of 4,000 Teachers and Health Workers in 2026
Hakainde Hichilema has announced that the New Dawn administration will recruit 4,000 teachers and health workers this year as part of efforts to enhance public service delivery across the country.
Addressing Parliament during an update on the application of national values and principles, President Hichilema revealed that 2,000 teachers and 2,000 health workers have been earmarked for recruitment in 2026.
The Head of State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing economic and social barriers that hinder children’s access to education.
“The UPND New Dawn administration remains firmly committed to addressing economic and social barriers to children’s participation and progression in education. In 2021, we re-introduced the free education policy. As always, education remains the best investment, equaliser, and inheritance,” President Hichilema said.
He noted that since the reintroduction of the free education policy, more than 2.5 million children have returned to school.
To strengthen access to quality education, the President disclosed that government has already recruited 41,917 teachers since 2021. He added that an additional 2,000 teachers will be recruited this year — an announcement that drew applause from Members of Parliament.
The President further highlighted the expansion of the Keeping Girls in School Initiative, stating that the programme benefited 127,233 girls in 2025, up from 38,551 in 2021. Geographic coverage has also expanded from 39 districts in 2021 to 95 districts.
Meanwhile, in the health sector, President Hichilema said government will recruit 2,000 additional health workers this year to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
“To promote human dignity and equity, the UPND New Dawn government prioritised investment in the health and wellness of our people. Since 2021, we have recruited over 18,000 health workers with an additional 2,000 to be recruited this year,” he said.
He added that government continues to expand healthcare access through the construction and equipping of health facilities at various levels across the country.
The recruitment drive forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen education and healthcare systems while advancing national development goals.
