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Human Capital Priority for Economic Transformation Agenda -Ms. Tambatamba

MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba (MP) says increased productivity is crucial for driving business growth.
Ms. Tambatamba indicated that in order to improve productivity, Government is focused on
placing human capital development at the heart of the national economic transformation agenda.
The Minister was speaking in Lusaka when she relaunched the Zambia-Japan Management and Technical Association (ZAJAMTA) alongside its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan.
The strategic plan is anchored on three pillars: Human Capital, Financial Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement.
Ms. Tambatamba said productivity ought to be measured with work output and not only the hours they put in.
She described the relaunch of ZAJAMTA as Government’s commitment to promoting productivity, skills development, through the National Productivity Development Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Kaizen Institute through strategic partnerships.
“The newly developed strategic plan aligns well with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the New Dawn Government’s vision of positioning human capital development at the centre of our economic transformation agenda,” she said.
The Minister further urged the ZAJAMTA leadership to implement the plan with focus, integrity, and determination in order to gain meaningful national impact.
Japan’s Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Takeuchi Kazuyuki, echoed this vision, emphasising Japan’s own post-war success through a focus on human resource development.
He cited Japanese practices such as lifetime employment, continuous employee education, and KAIZEN continuous improvement as key drivers of Japan’s economic growth.
“Japan developed through a system where everyone can continuously grow. It is noteworthy that ZAJAMTA believes these experiences can be applied to Zambia,” Ambassador Takeuchi said.
He indicated that the relaunch of ZAJAMTA and its strategic plan marks a major milestone in strengthening Zambia-Japan ties, promoting economic growth, and fostering practical learning and collaboration.
“As ZAJAMTA resumes its activities after the disruptions of COVID-19, I hope this strategic plan will accelerate its programmes, including the initiative to double the number of Zambian participants in training programs in Japan,”said Ambassador Takeuchi.
Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnership (AOTS) president, Yoshida Yasuhiko said Japan will sponsor Zambia’s economic growth through infrastructure development, in accordance with the Eight National Development Plan (8NDP).
And ZAJAMTA President, Mr. Shipango Muteto highlighted the Association’s historic role in facilitating skills transfer and professional growth.
He said since its establishment in 1979, the organisation has sent over 500 Zambian professionals to Japan for training and hosted more than 300 trainees through expert dispatch programs locally.
Mr. Muteto further announced the establishment of the Kenshu center which is a training and management hub, to foster innovation in management and technology under the new strategic plan.
“Human capital is critical to this country. Development can be reached if human resource is engaged to promote productivity,”he said.
 
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OVER €500 MILLION EU INVESTMENT SET FOR ZAMBIA’S ENERGY AND INFRUSTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA 11TH MAY, 2025…The European Union has committed over €500 million euros in grants to Zambia to support its strategic development targets.
The European Union is securing sustainable investment in, energy, infrastructure, education, and health through the global gateway strategy to  boost inclusive growth.
On May 9, 2025, the European Union and Zambia commemorated the 50th anniversary of EU-Zambia partnership to reinforce developmental collaboration and partnership dialogue.
In her remarks, EU ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak said to narrow the investment gap in Zambia, EU will boost the country’s sustainable energy future through the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam with the recent investment being in the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, which will enhance regional power trade.
Her Excellency Stasiak said the EU is also devoted to support the buildup of the Lobito corridor, which will unlock Zambians potential as a land-linked country and stimulate economic growth on the Copperbelt and North-western provinces by increasing demand in Zambian goods.
She pronounced that the EU is building deliberate partnership to promote sustainable and responsible mining and value addition for job creation to the benefit of the community.
Other finances will be allocated to the green transition through the EU-Zambia Forest partnership, which aims to eradicate deforestation, promote sustainable forest management and develop economic activity around forests.
Her excellency Stasiak reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to invest in political dialogue and mutually beneficial relations.
“We commend Zambia’s principled stance for peace in Ukraine as a clear example of its commitment to international law, sovereignty, and dialogue in resolving this and other conflicts,” she said.
“We need to strengthen our efforts to reinforce democracy and forces with countries like Zambia to show case a powerful, positive example of regional engagement towards peace and stability and a track record of peaceful, free, and fair elections. We stand ready to support Zambia as it continues its democratic journey towards the 2026 general elections.”
Officiating at the event Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba (MP) commended the European Union for its continued support as the country strive to achieve its developmental priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan which encompasses economic transformation and job creation, human and social development including environmental sustainability and good governance.
She said the strong economic relationship between created between Zambia and the European Union creates contingency for trade expansion, industrial growth, and job creation.
Ms. Tambatamba mentioned that Zambia is building resilience in the wake of climate change, which threatens the environment and economic gains.
“We are grateful to the EU for choosing Zambia as a key partner in piloting the green nexus program, which is a model for green growth that brings together communities, the Government, the private sector and international cooperating partners,” she said.
“We commend the EU for its continued support through the Global Gateway strategy, under which over €600 million in grants has been committed to Zambia for the period 2021-2027. The investments are already transforming our energy systems, critical infrastructure, education sector and access to justice.”
Ms. Tambatamba restated Government’s commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the European Union which have contributed to Zambia’s development agenda.
The event concluded with the Minister proposing a toast to continued warm relations between Zambia and the European Union.
Issued By:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK REGISTRATION LINK

REGISTER NOW!
Be part of the movement to revolutionize workplace safety and health!
Join us for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025
🗓 Date: Monday, 28th April 2025
📍 Venue: Sentinal School Ground, First Quantum Minerals (FQM), Kalumbila District
🎯 Theme: “Revolutionizing Health and Safety – The Role of AI and Digitalization”
OR
📱 Scan the QR Code below to secure your spot!
Whether you’re attending physically or virtually, your participation matters as we shape the future of safe, innovative workplaces in Zambia and beyond.
✅ Free registration
✅ Open to workers, employers, safety champions, students, and the general public!
✅ Limited spaces available for physical participation
✅ Unlimited spaces available for virtual participation– register now!
Let’s work together for a safer, smarter labour market. 🇿🇲
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Safety Awareness Ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The integrated safety sensitization at City Mall, Solwezi on 25th April 2025 marked a powerful step in our build-up activities for the World Day for Safety and Health at work (28th May, 2025), bringing together motorbike and bicycle riders, road safety agencies, and labour stakeholders to raise awareness on the importance of safety for workers whose livelihoods depend on being on the road.

Through information sharing, innovation, and practical support, we continue working towards safer, more inclusive work environments.

Special thanks to the North Western Motor Bikers Association, RTSA, Zambia Police, WCFCB, ZOHSA, and the MLSS team for their collaboration and dedication.

 

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Ministry of Labour launches Digital Strategy, incorporates 29 services on the Zamportal

The ministry of Labour and Social Security yesterday launched its digital strategy 2024 -2026 and on-boarded 29 key Ministry services on the Government Service Bus (GSB), which streamlines public service delivery across all institutions.
The digitized services on the Government Service Bus will be effectively administered on the Zambia Employment and Labour Management System (ZELMIS).
The integration of the services on the Government Service Bus, will now allow citizens to access services on the digital Government portal through their phones or computers in real time.
Speaking when she launched the digital strategy and onboarding the Ministry’s services, Ms. Tambatamba said the strategy outlines the Ministry’s vision to drive innovation and efficiency on the Labour market, through the timely provision of information using technology.
“It will transform the revenue collection process making it more efficient, transparent and accessible, ultimately leading to increased revenue for the Government. The GSB lowers the operational costs associated with revenue Collection,” the Minister said.
Ms. Tambatamba said the integration of the Ministry’s services on the Government Service Bus will improve efficiency and productivity, which will lead to economic transformation in line with the digital transformation agenda outlined in the Eight National Development Plan (8thNDP).
She said the integration of the services on the digital platform will cut down on corruption and widen the Ministry’s Outreach in the 116 districts as it is only present in 54 districts.
“One of the standout features of this service is its focus on inclusivity, particularly for individuals living in remote or underserved areas. The Government Service Bus will bridge the gap between these communities ensuring everyone has a chance to benefit from labour resources and support,” said Ms. Tambatamba.
“By automating payment processes and reducing direct interactions between citizens and Government officials, the GSB minimizes opportunities for corruption. This ensures that all payments are properly recorded and accounted for leading to increased revenue collection.”
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga said digital supervision will see a reduction of audit queries regarding invoices, receipts and banking.
Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama, said the digitization of the Ministry’s services will boost economic growth, thereby reducing on the country’s corruption perception index.
Director Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, Hector Sampa who represented the accountant general, said the digitization of the services will lessen the mismanagement of public funds and reduce the burden on the printing of government receipts.
The Zampay allows the securing and monitoring of digital payments,” said Mr Sampa.
And the Ministry’s acting director ICT, Grace Mauka said citizens will be served more efficiently with the digitization of the services.
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MINISTRY OF LABOUR SECURES PAYMENT FOR YOUNG PHIROZ WORKERS

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS STATEMENT
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
MINISTRY OF LABOUR SECURES PAYMENT FOR YOUNG PHIROZ WORKERS
Lusaka, 14th April, 2025…The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has stepped in to help 94
workers of Young Phiroz General Dealers to collect their redundancy packages, after the two parties went separate ways due to contract change.
About three weeks ago, the workers lodged a complaint against their employer, demanding their dues for the previous contracts prior to signing the newly introduced contracts.
To protect the workers’ rights, Young Phiroz General Dealers was summoned by the Ministry and a meeting was held with its employees, and the parties were guided in reference to Section 23(2) of the Employment Code Act which allows employers to seek consent from their workers, where alterations are made to a written contract to reflect the changes.
The provision allows workers to either consent or disapprove of the revised terms. In an event that the worker does not agree to the contractual terms, Section 55(1)(c) of the Employment Code Act (ECA) states that; an employer is considered to have terminated the contract of employment for their employee by reason of redundancy, if the separation is based on the alteration of the employee’s contract, which they have not consented to.
The workers did not accept the alterations implemented by their employer and were as a result, declared redundant.
A computation of the redundancy packages was done by the Ministry, pursuant to Section 55(3) (a) of the Employment Code Act, which totaled to K1, 128, 590.87 and Young Phiroz General Dealers committed to liquidate the amount in three installments.
The first installment amounting to K545, 274. 43 was paid on April 12, 2025.
Workers with outstanding dues below K9, 000 have been fully paid, while those with dues amounting to more than K10, 000 will be paid in two installments with the first payment being K5000, and the second payment will be made on May 12, 2025.
The workers have since expressed gratitude for the timely intervention by Government in helping them to collect their redundancy packages.
This case sets an example to employers who are in the habit of exploiting workers. As Government, we will see to it that workers receive their rightful dues as agreed upon.
The affected workers will in due course be provided with mentorship under the newly introduced ‘Productivity Clinic’ by the National Productivity Development Department (NPDD) to help them smoothly transition to new forms of livelihood.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
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EMPLOYERS MUST MEET MINIMUM WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS STATEMENT
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
EMPLOYERS MUST MEET MINIMUM WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS
Lusaka, 11th April, 2025… As the new minimum wages for Buses and Truck drivers take effect today, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security urges employers across all industries to ensure compliance.
As we continue to drive an equitable work environment, we appeal to all employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees by adhering to the minimum wage regulations.
On January 16, 2025, Government increased the minimum wages with K1000, for truck drivers and K800 for bus drivers through Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2025.
The Basic Minimum wages stand at, K3000 from K2, 200 for bus drivers and K4, 000 from K3, 000 for Truck drivers.
Cross border subsistence allowances stand at US$30 per night, for drivers operating vehicles without sleeping cabins and US$20 per night for drivers operating vehicles that have a sleeping cabin.
The new wages only apply to non-unionized workers who operate public service vehicles (PSV).
Employers are therefore required to review their pay structure to reflect the new minimum wage rates. This will undoubtedly enhance productivity among workers, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Workers should also be informed about the changes in a transparent manner.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will conduct integrated inspections with Statutory Bodies to ensure compliance with the law. Therefore, non-compliance with minimum wage regulations will lead to sanctions.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
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President Hichilema Reaffirms Bold Step To Spur Economic Growth and Job Creation

President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn Administration will strengthen local industries in order to promote economic growth.
Speaking during the labour day celebrations on May 1,2025 held in Mansa at Kaole stadium, under the theme: “Shaping Zambia’s Future of Work through home grown Solutions for Inclusive Economic Growth,” The Head of State said Government is devoted to promoting economic growth as it procreates jobs.
President Hichilema commended workers for their resilience and lauded employers,for improving the livelihood of workers when the
country experienced the worst drought.
“I would like to appreciate you for carrying the country through, during the worst drought in the country of Zambia. The fact that we were are able to grow our GDP from 2% to 4% is mbecause miners worked hard by increasing production. Workers in the tourism and private sector, you worked hard to contributing to the economy,” the President said.
“We will continue working to grow the economy, we know growth will breed more job opportunities. Your government will continue to work to lower the cost of living, to lower the cost of doing business.”
President Hichilema indicated that Government will reform the pension scheme to enhance benefits. He said the New Dawn Administration extended the NAPSA penalty waiver, to ease compliance during the decline in economic activities that were experienced during the drought.
The ahead of State said Zambia is now used as a yardstick, for providing a safety net for workers with progressive social security policies such as the 20% partial withdraw, whilst keeping the National Pensions Scheme Authority afloat.
President Hichilema made a clarion call employers, employees and Government to promote Tripartism through dialogue.
“Government employers and Unions must dialogue together. Let’s solve our problems not shouting in the streets, not shouting on social media,” he said.
The Head of State urged employers to adhere to the minimum wage requirements for Bus and Truck drivers, which came into effect on April 10, 2025 and allow workers to register with unions of their choice.
He also indicated that Government is committed to creating safe and decent work places, and Zambia has since ratified Convention 190, which protects workers against violence, discrimination and harassment.
The President urged the workforce to be productive, in order to produce more and spur economic growth.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba (MP) said Government will create jobs within the Ministry, by expand the number of labour officers and recruit call centre agents, upon receiving treasury authority.
She said to increase engagement with the public, the Ministry has onboarded 29 services on the Government Service Bus(GSB), and the public can connect with the Ministry through the Citizens Support Services portal, for a timely response to their concerns and grievances.
Luapula Province minister Eng. Nason Musonda said the hosting of the Labour day celebrations in the province was historic,and a testament to the New Dawn administration’s commitment to inclusive development, equitable opportunities, and home grown solutions that drive the nation forward.
International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office, Officer-in-charge for Zambia Malawi and Mozambique, Todini Marecha commended Zambia for the 4% growth in Gross Domestic Products, despite the drought and energy deficit that the country experienced in the recent years.
Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) president Maira Ngoma says the youth ought to be engaged in policy and programming, to promote social dialogue and tripartism.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Blake Mulala called for concerted efforts in the fight against corruption.
The event concluded with employers being rewarded for their outstanding performance. Among the awardees are; Senior labor officer in Luapula Province, Nchimunya Abubakar, Senior Labour Inspector at Lusaka Headquarters, Ian Kayelu, Mubanga Geoffrey and Wokers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) accounts assistant for Mansa Branch, Ketiwe Chimponda. The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) was awarded the best dressed.
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PRESS RELEASE – ZAMBIA’S TRANSFORMATIVE AGENDA ON LABOUR ISSUES ACKNOWLEDGED: AS IT CONTINUES TO RATIFY ILO CONVENTIONS PRIORITISED BY SADC

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS RELEASE
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
ZAMBIA’S TRANSFORMATIVE AGENDA ON LABOUR ISSUES ACKNOWLEDGED:
AS IT CONTINUES TO RATIFY ILO CONVENTIONS PRIORITISED BY SADC
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 28th March 2025…Zambia has received accolades at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting for Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners for its progression in improving the welfare of workers, through evidence-based labour policies.
Zambia gained approval from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for formulating and ratifying worker-friendly policies.
Notable among the eight International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments prioritized by SADC signed and ratified by Zambia in upgrading the livelihoods of workers, is the ILO Convention (C190), which was ratified by the New Dawn Administration on December 13, 2024 that aims at protecting workers against violence and harassment in the workplace.
Other conventions are; C122, C129, C151, C155, and C187, with only two conventions yet to be signed.
Speaking during the official opening, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in Zimbabwe, Edgar Moyo emphasized the need to formulate National Employment Policies that will place decent work at the center of development efforts.
Mr. Moyo urged member States to be Labour -intensive in order to tackle unemployment, as well as promote productive economic sectors such as mining and agriculture, to promote economic growth.
ILO Director of the Decent Work Team for East and Southern Africa, Alexio Musindo said ILO would support decent work in capacity building, to promote International Labor Standards.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angele N’tumba pressed member States to enhance the employability of graduates by ensuring that curricular responds to demands on the labour market.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda MwikaTambatamba (MP) informed the meeting that Zambia is collaborating with the private sector to create employment for the youth through the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF). She further implored secretariat to see to it that member States receive technical support to create a resilient and sustainable economy.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
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PRESS RELEASE: STRENGTHEN SOLUTIONS TO INFORMALITY ON LABOUR MARKET SADC MEMBER STATES IMPLORED

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS RELEASE
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
STRENGTHEN SOLUTIONS TO INFORMALITY ON LABOUR MARKET SADC MEMBER STATES IMPLORED
Vitoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe, 24th March 2025… The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Employment and Labour Sector, has urged member States to be intent on stopping informality on the labour market, which stands at 85.5% in Africa, according to statistics provided by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
As a way of tackling informality, SADC proposed the integration of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) into the formal economy, as they are forces in employment-generation and transformation, within the African region.
This was during the SADC senior officials meeting, which is a preparatory meeting for the Meeting of Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners, which officially opens on March 27, 2024 at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe.
Opening the Senior officials meeting, Chairperson of the SADC Employment and Labour Sector, and Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in Zimbabwe, Simon Masanga said; there’s need to plan and come up with a quick fix to the informal economy which deprives workers in the informal sector of social protection, fair wages, and adequate working conditions.
The chairperson emphasized that employment remains at the core of sustainable development and industrialization in the region, hence the need to transition from informality to formality and equipping citizens with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century digitalized economy.
Ministry of labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga informed the meeting that Zambia has made exceptional steps in reviewing the National employment policy to address issues on the labour market among them informality.
He also indicated that Zambia is mitigating the impacts of climate change by integrating solar as a primary energy source, to reduce reliance on Hydro energy, which affected productivity output on the labour market last year, when the country experienced drought.
Social partners, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions President Blake Mulala and Zambia Federation of Employers executive director Harrington Chibanda were also in attendance.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer