Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia

President Hakainde Hichilema to Assent to Three Landmark Pension Reforms Today

Thousands of pensioners and workers across Zambia are set to benefit from sweeping pension reforms immediately after the enactment of four landmark pension laws to be signed by President Hakainde Hichilema today aimed at strengthening social security and improving benefits for contributors and retirees.

President Hichilema will sign into law the National Pension Scheme Bill, 2026, the Public Service Pensions Bill, 2026, the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill, 2026 and the Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

According to a statement issued by State House Chief Communication Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, the new laws are expected to transform the country’s pension system by increasing benefits, improving access to retirement savings and enhancing the sustainability of pension schemes.

One of the most immediate benefits is the increase of the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327, a move that will directly benefit more than 17,000 pensioners currently receiving the minimum pension.

In addition, approximately 30,000 retirees will now be able to access an advance lump-sum payment from their pension benefits, with some beneficiaries expected to receive as much as K17,500.

The reforms will also positively impact about 1.2 million members of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) by improving the growth of their pension savings and strengthening the management of pension funds.

Mr Hamasaka said the reforms are designed to ensure that workers receive better returns on their contributions while safeguarding their financial security during retirement.

The pension laws form part of a broader package of legislation assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and securing long-term social and economic development.

Alongside the pension reforms, the President will also assent to the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which entrenches the Free Education Policy introduced in January 2022.

Since the introduction of free education, more than 2.6 million children have returned to school, significantly expanding access to education and creating opportunities for thousands of families across the country.

The State House chief communications specialists added that education and pension reforms complement each other by supporting citizens throughout different stages of life, from accessing education in childhood, to productive employment in adulthood, and financial security in retirement.

The enactment of the pension laws will mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to build a stronger social protection system and ensure that workers can retire with greater dignity, security and confidence.

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AVIATION SECURITY, ECZ SERVICES, TOLL AND WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATIONS CLASSIFIED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Lusaka, Zambia 2nd June, 2026- The Ministry of Labour and Social Security wishes to inform the general public that the designation of air traffic control services, civil aviation security, electoral services offered by employees of Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), toll point and weighbridge operations and the supply and distribution of petroleum services as essential, has taken effect following the gazetting of Statutory Instrument No.47 of 2026.

The Statutory Instrument, cited as the Industrial and Labour Relations (Essential Service) (Declaration) Order, 2026, signed by the-then Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, was issued pursuant to Section 107(10)(g) of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Cap. 269 of the Laws of Zambia, following Cabinet’s approval at its 9th Meeting held on 14th May 2026.

Government’s decision to declare such services as essential, followed extensive consultations with social partners through the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council, recognizing the critical role that workers in these categories play in safeguarding the nation’s peace, democracy, and the smooth functioning of the economy.

The declaration is intended to protect workers’ rights while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of critical services that are essential to maintaining economic stability and basic societal functions, particularly during emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, or national crises, facilitating the movement of goods and services, supporting the collection of toll fees for maintenance, to protect road infrastructure and enhance road safety and the management of free, fair, and credible elections, which form the foundation of Zambia’s democratic governance.

Government would like to urge employers operating in sectors declared as essential to identify employees designated to perform essential services and issue them with Essential Service Certificates in accordance with the law. These certificates will serve as official recognition of the employee's status in facilitating uninterrupted provision of essential services during periods of industrial disputes or other circumstances requiring the maintenance of minimum service levels.

In accordance with the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, disputes arising from essential services should be referred to the Industrial Relations Court for speedy resolution.

Employees designated as essential service workers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

Issued By:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Day Against Child Labour
: Red Card♦️to Child Labour; Fair play for children, Decent work for adults.

Zambia Targets Globally Competitive Workforce Through Psychometric Innovation

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga says Government is modernising assessment and certification systems to prepare citizens for the rapidly changing world of work by equipping them with relevant competitive and internationally recognised qualifications.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting on Psychometrics organised by the Ministry in collaboration with Prometric in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Luhanaga said psychometric systems and modern workforce assessments are critical to strengthening Zambia’s skills development agenda and creating employment opportunities for young people.

The Permanent Secretary noted that technological advancement, digital transformation and global labour mobility are redefining labour markets and increasing demand for internationally recognised competencies.

Mr. Luhanga said Prometric’s expertise in psychometric services, secure testing systems and workforce assessments presents an opportunity for Zambia to improve the quality, credibility and accessibility of occupational assessments across multiple sectors.

“Government recognises the urgent need to modernise assessment and certification systems in order to equip our citizens with relevant, competitive and internationally recognised competencies,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary indicated that technology driven psychometric assessments are critical in supporting national priorities such as occupational testing modernisation, labour mobility, recognition of prior learning and informal sector certification.

In emphasising his point, Mr Luhanga cited concerns raised during the nomination exercise where the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) detected 10 forged Grade 12 examination papers.

He noted that such incidents emphasize the urgent need to strengthen examination integrity systems, modernise verification processes tools to safeguard the credibility of national qualifications and protect the integrity of Zambia’s education and certification systems.

Mr Luhanga said the partnership will also help to expand digital skills and artificial intelligence training opportunities for young people and professionals, thereby enhancing employability and productivity.

Mr. Luhanga stressed that Zambia cannot remain on the sidelines of the global artificial intelligence transformation, as investment in modern assessment systems would help prepare the country’s workforce for the future of work.

He also called on stakeholders to ideate on developing inclusive and sustainable systems aligned with Zambia’s development aspirations and labour market needs.

National Productivity Development Director, Cyprian Mayamba said the world of work has significantly evolved following the COVID-19 pandemic, with technology and digital innovation now playing a central role in shaping modern workplaces and driving growth in the digital economy.

He noted that psychometrics has equally evolved within the changing work environment and is increasingly contributing to efficient recruitment, employee selection, placement and career progression systems by companies.

Mr. Mayamba added that technology-driven psychometric assessments are helping institutions identify relevant skills and competencies, thereby promoting productivity, improving access to employment opportunities and contributing to the decent work agenda.

Representative of Prometric, Erica Hepburn, urged institutions to embrace secure and technology driven assessment systems in order to improve the quality, credibility and efficiency of examinations and professional certification processes.

Ms. Hepburn said Prometric is advancing fairness, transparency and integrity in examinations through advanced computer based testing systems and data driven assessment tools that will help in curbing exam malpractices and strengthen operational efficiency.

She highlighted that the company’s psychometric and professional certification services are enabling industries such as healthcare, finance, information technology and public service to accurately identify skilled and competent personnel capable of meeting evolving industry demands.

Ms. Hepburn added that Prometric is expanding access to internationally recognised assessments through its global testing network and flexible scheduling systems for candidates, thereby supporting labour mobility, participation in the digital economy and recognition of qualifications across borders.

The meeting was held as part of the ongoing 100 Days of Productivity Activism campaign aimed at promoting a national culture of productivity and innovation.

Day Against Child Labour
: Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, Decent work for adults

Day Against Child Labour
: Red card to child Labour: Fair play for Children, Decent work for adults.