Memorandum: Budget Analysis of Heads 80: Ministry of Education and 66: Ministry of Technology and Science: Submitted to the National Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) submitted a comprehensive budget analysis of the proposed 2025 National Budget, focusing on the Ministry of Education (Head 80) and the Ministry of Technology and Science (Head 66). This analysis critiques the allocation of resources, adjusted for inflation, and provides recommendations for both sectors. The Ministry of Education’s budget allocation is analysed in light of commitments such as the Dakar Education for All and Abuja Declarations, highlighting the gap between budget allocations and actual educational needs, particularly in infrastructure, teaching materials, and addressing overcrowding. The Ministry of Technology and Science's budget, meanwhile, reflects insufficient funding for research and development, skills training, and innovation hubs, potentially stalling Zambia’s technological advancement. Key recommendations include increasing the education sector’s share of the budget to meet international commitments, improving the timely disbursement of funds, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in science and technology to drive national development.