Higher education enrolment in Zambia has nearly doubled, expanding opportunities for young people, particularly women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Women accounted for 49% of higher education students in 2024, reflecting progress towards gender equality. The UNICEF-supported Zambian Girls 2030 programme has also helped increase participation in career clubs sixfold to nearly 15,000 girls, encouraging them to pursue further education and explore career opportunities.
Student enrolment rose from fewer than 120,000 in 2019 to more than 230,000 in 2024, supported by government scholarships, additional institutions and improved digital infrastructure. Nearly 80% of academic staff now hold postgraduate qualifications. Meanwhile, UNESCO-supported government initiatives aim to expand digital learning in rural communities, helping overcome geographical and financial barriers while developing a more skilled workforce and strengthening long-term economic prospects.
