Government invites applications for 2,000 teacher jobs

According to the minister, the exercise follows the granting of Treasury authority and will be implemented within established public service procedures, coordinated by the Teaching Service Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other institutions.

Of the 2,000 positions, 92 will be allocated to early childhood education, 565 to primary schools and 1,343 to secondary schools.

“In line with government’s commitment to inclusivity, 10 percent of the positions have been reserved for persons with disabilities,” Syakalima said, adding that applicants meeting the required criteria will be given due consideration, including alternative application arrangements where necessary.

He said deployment will prioritise rural and hard to reach areas, as well as newly established and upgraded schools, in line with government’s goal of equitable access to quality education.

The minister outlined key requirements for applicants, including Zambian citizenship, a minimum age of 18, registration with the Teaching Council of Zambia and completion of professional teacher training.

Applicants must also be willing to serve anywhere in the country for at least four years.

Syakalima added that priority will be given to candidates trained in critical subject areas such as mathematics, sciences, ICT, Zambian languages and practical subjects, in support of the competence-based curriculum.

He said recruitment process will follow a comprehensive roadmap, incorporating data-driven identification of staffing needs, strengthened human resource management systems and stakeholder engagement to ensure coordination and accountability.

He announced that applications will open tomorrow and close on Monday, April 27, 2026.

The selection process will be conducted at district, provincial and national levels with the entire exercise expected to conclude by the end of May 2026.

He said successful candidates are projected to be placed on the government payroll by August 2026.

“To enhance efficiency, government has introduced a digital application system where candidates will submit applications online using their Teaching Council registration credentials. However, alternative channels have also been provided. Applicants facing connectivity challenges will be able to access internet services through designated post offices, while those unable to apply online may submit physical applications via the express mail service of the Zambia Postal Services Corporation,” he said.

Syakalima further revealed that institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the President Special Division and the Drug Enforcement Commission have been engaged to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment process and prevent malpractice.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving teacher welfare, promoting incentives for rural service and ensuring career progression opportunities to enhance retention.

The minister noted that since 2022, government has recruited more than 41,917 teachers, describing the ongoing exercise as a critical investment in improving access to quality education, particularly in rural communities.

“Education remains a great equaliser, and the continued recruitment of teachers is essential to unlocking opportunities for all citizens,” Syakalima said.