The government has released K806.1 million in fourth-quarter school grants, completing its annual allocation of more than K2.3 billion for public education support in 2026.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning said the funds had been disbursed through the Ministry of Education to all government-supported public schools, reinforcing the government’s commitment to financing free education.

The latest release, made within the first two weeks of the quarter, is intended to support school feeding programmes, teaching and learning materials, learner welfare and infrastructure maintenance.

With the full-year allocation now released before the end of 2026, attention shifts to how effectively schools use the resources to improve learning conditions and educational outcomes.

The government has directed school authorities to ensure that every Kwacha is spent for its intended purpose, properly accounted for and aligned with measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane warned that compliance with public financial management regulations was mandatory.

“Misapplication of funds, unauthorized expenditure, and failure to account for public resources will not be accepted,” he said.

The government says the success of school grants should be measured not by the amounts disbursed, but by improved learning environments, expanded opportunities for children and sustained financial relief for families.