Zambian president urges African countries to ensure education for all

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday urged African countries to ensure that education is made available for all.

Education is the greatest equalizer, and investing in a resilient education system accessible to all is a cornerstone for development, Hichilema said in remarks delivered on the eve of Africa Day, which falls on May 25.

"As we celebrate the Africa Freedom Day, let us celebrate the power of education in transforming lives and building a better Zambia, better Africa and indeed a better world," he said.

Africa Day, also known as Africa Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is observed annually to celebrate the achievements of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union, since its creation on May 25, 1963.

According to the African Union, the theme for this year's commemoration is "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa."

The theme places education and skills at the center of the continent's social transformation agenda and resonates with Zambia's policy direction of ensuring inclusive, quality learning for all citizens, Hichilema said.

He said Africa is making sustained investments in higher education, science, technology, research and innovation, and Zambia is implementing a number of measures to promote increased access to inclusive, long-lasting and relevant learning.

The president said Africa Freedom Day should be commemorated to honor the courageous forefathers and mothers for their sacrifice as they fought for the continent's liberation and celebrate the progress and commitment to the ideals of pan-Africanism.