Zambia moves to strengthen foundational literacy, as country transitions to competency-based curriculum

Zambia’s Ministry of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding with Room to Read Zambia Limited, paving the way for the organisation’s return to the country and reinforcing joint efforts to improve foundational literacy and advance gender equality in schools. The agreement comes as Zambia transitions from a Knowledge-Based Curriculum to a Competency-Based Curriculum, a reform that has underscored the need for better teacher training, improved learning materials, stronger assessment systems and more inclusive education practices. The Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the MoU was signed by Permanent Secretary for Education Services, Kelvin Mambwe, representing the government, and Collins Munene, Regional Director for Africa, on behalf of Room to Read.

Mambwe said the partnership demonstrated government’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes and ensuring equitable learning opportunities across the country. Munene recalled that Room to Read previously operated in Zambia from 2008 to 2017, supporting 613 schools and reaching more than 530,000 learners. The organisation also helped establish 487 school libraries and produced 20 locally authored and illustrated children’s books in languages including Chinyanja, Chitonga, Chibemba, Kikaonde and Silozi.

“This partnership reflects our shared vision that every child in Zambia deserves the opportunity to read with comprehension, learn with dignity and develop the life skills needed to thrive,” he said. Room to Read will resume operations in 2026, supporting the alignment of literacy materials with the national curriculum, strengthening school and community libraries and enhancing literacy-focused teacher development. The organisation will also review and align the 2014 Primary Literacy Programme and the National Literacy Framework with the new Competency-Based Curriculum, and produce high-quality children’s books in local languages.

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The Ministry said the renewed partnership builds on earlier gains and supports the country’s broader push to improve literacy and expand inclusive education nationwide. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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