2026 Teacher Recruitment in Zambia: 3,500 Jobs Announced – Full 2022-2026 Numbers

The Zambian government has announced plans to recruit 3,500 additional teachers in 2026 as part of the largest teacher recruitment programme in the country’s history. This brings the total to 47,417 teachers recruited between 2022 and 2026 to support Free Education and reduce teacher shortages.

Teacher Recruitment Status 2022-2026

Below is the official breakdown of teachers recruited and planned from 2022 to 2026:

Key Details: 2026 Teacher Recruitment

The 2026 recruitment of 3,500 teachers is aimed at strengthening staffing in schools and supporting the implementation of the competence-based curriculum. Applicants are advised to watch for the official advert from the Teaching Service Commission and Ministry of Education.

Priority subject areas are expected to continue focusing on Maths, Science, ICT, Practical Subjects, and Zambian Languages.

How 2022-2025 Recruitment Supports Free Education

• 2022-2023: 38,217 teachers recruited to address gaps from increased enrolment due to Free Education Policy.
• 2024: 4,200 teachers. Included 424 ECE, 1,136 Primary, and 2,640 Secondary school teachers.
• 2025: 2,000 teachers recruited after a nationwide audit. 10% of positions were reserved for persons with disabilities.

Impact of the Teacher Recruitment Programme

1. Recruiting over 47,000 teachers in five years
2. Reducing teacher shortages, especially in rural schools
3. Supporting increased learner enrolment from Free Education
4. Improving access to Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary education
5. Strengthening implementation of Zambia’s competence-based curriculum