A classroom’s next learning resource could arrive through a satellite connection.
Zambia’s three-year Connectivity and Digital Learning Programme aims to connect an initial 70 public schools to Starlink internet, with solar power solutions for schools operating off the electricity grid.
The partnership involves the Presidential Delivery Unit, Ministry of Education, Public Private Dialogue Forum and MySol Zambia Ignite Energy Access Zambia. PPDF’s September announcement says Chainda Primary and Secondary School is already connected, with another 69 public schools intended to follow.
For learners and teachers, the promise is practical: access to online educational materials, teacher development and opportunities to strengthen digital skills.
Making the connection useful will also require suitable devices, teacher support and dependable maintenance. Subscription costs and funding beyond the programme are important questions for the rollout.
The first connection offers a starting point. The next milestone is showing how the programme changes everyday learning as more schools come online.
Sources: PPDF programme announcement, 17 September 2026
Illustrative photo of solar panels in Chile by Antonio Garcia / Unsplash. This is not a photograph of the school programme. Image source.