The Mandate of the MoGE is to formulate and implement education and science policies, set and enforce standards and regulations, licence, supervise and provide education and skills development, as well as promote science, technology and innovation education.

The Ministry is composed of the following directorates and units:

• Directorate of Planning and Information
• Directorate of Standards and Curriculum
• Directorate of Early Childhood Education
• Directorate of Open and Distance Education
• Directorate of Human Resources and Administration
• Directorate of Teacher Education and Specialised Services
• Accounts Unit
• Internal Audit Unit
• Procurement and Supplies Unit

In addition, there are statutory bodies that perform specialised services to the general public and operate according to existing enabling Acts.  These include the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ), Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ), Zambia Education Publishing House (ZEPH), and Zambia National Commission for UNESCO and Education Boards.