Harry Kamboni Appointed Zambia’s Minister of Education

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed Hon. Harry Kamboni as the country’s new Minister of Education following a cabinet reshuffle that separates the education portfolio from skills and higher education.

Kamboni was among the ministers sworn in at State House in Lusaka on Wednesday, October 28, according to reports of the presidential appointments. He will lead the Ministry of Education, while Douglas Syakalima has been assigned the separate Ministry of Skills and Higher Education.

The appointments follow Zambia’s recent realignment of government ministries, approved by the National Assembly on October 27, which increased the number of ministries from 24 to 30. The restructuring separates responsibilities previously housed under broader ministerial portfolios.

Kamboni represents Kalomo Central Constituency in Zambia’s National Assembly under the United Party for National Development (UPND). His parliamentary history dates to 2016, and he was re-elected in 2021 and 2026.

An academic and businessman by profession, Kamboni holds an Art Teacher’s Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. His parliamentary committee experience includes service on the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, giving him experience with legislative scrutiny of education-related issues.

His appointment comes as education systems across Africa face persistent challenges involving foundational learning, teacher development, equitable access to quality education, education financing and the effective integration of technology into teaching and learning.

Kamboni’s tenure will place him at the centre of Zambia’s efforts to strengthen its education system. His policy priorities and plans for the ministry are expected to be of interest to educators, learners, parents, policymakers and development partners.

Edugist will continue to follow developments in Zambia’s education sector, including the new minister’s priorities and the implications of the government’s decision to separate general education from skills and higher education.