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NORTHERN PROVINCE PS CALLS FOR STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON PENSION REFORMS

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu has called on public service employees to actively participate in the ongoing consultative meetings aimed at gathering feedback on the draft Pension Reforms Bill.
The proposed reforms, which seek to repeal and replace the current National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Public Service Pension Scheme (PSP), and Local Authority Superannuation Fund (LASF) Acts, are designed to streamline Zambia’s public service pension system.
Speaking at the official opening of the engagement meeting in Kasama on 10 December 2025, Mr. Mpundu emphasized the importance of the consultations in ensuring that the new framework is equitable and fair for all public service retirees.
He noted that the primary goal of the reforms is to harmonize pension schemes, thereby creating a more consistent and transparent process for distributing benefits to retired public servants.
“These reforms aim to provide a unified system that benefits all public sector employees equally, ensuring fairness and equity in how retirement benefits are administered,” Mr. Mpundu said.
The consultations, which have been taking place across the country, have also seen participation from key stakeholders, including Labor Unions, Parliamentarians, and members from the three affected public schemes NAPSA, PSPF and LASF.
Mr. Francis Pindani Nyirenda, a member of the Pension Reforms Steering Committee and CEO of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF), also addressed the gathering, reiterating the need for consistency in pension payouts.
Mr. Nyirenda pointed out that public service workers have in the past faced discrepancies in retirement benefits, with some workers receiving far less than others upon retiring.
“We must ensure that retirement benefits are not only timely but also equitable across all public service workers, eliminating the disparities that have existed for too long,” Mr. Nyirenda stated.
The consultations are being spearheaded by the Emoluments Commission, with presentations being made by representatives from PSPF, NAPSA, and LASF. These engagements are intended to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of Zambia’s public service pension system.
As these meetings continue, officials hope to refine the proposed reforms based on feedback from employees and other concerned parties, ultimately creating a more just and transparent pension system for Zambia’s public sector workforce.
Pictures and Story Credit: PSPF
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EARN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE STATUS- TAMBATAMBA CHALLENGES LUSAKA TELECOM SOLUTIONS

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba has urged Lusaka Telecom Solutions to lead by example and position itself as a sought-after employer by complying with Labour laws and prioritizing decent work.
During a courtesy visit paid on her office by the Company’s management, centered on building collaboration with Government on innovation and technology, Ms. Tambatamba urged the telecommunications company’s top management to place workers at the center of its corporate growth strategy.
The Minister emphasized that corporate social responsibility (CSR) must begin within an organization, through fair treatment of workers, respect for their rights at work, and deliberate efforts to build a skilled, productive and future-ready workforce, before extending the hand to the community.
“Corporate social responsibility is not only about external community outreach; it starts with how companies treat their employees. I therefore, urge you to become a company of choice, by upholding decent working conditions, and creating opportunities for continuous upskilling. That is the foundation of becoming an employer of choice,” Ms. Tambatamba said.
The Minister further highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s strong advocacy for technology and digital innovation, underscoring that Government is pursuing a comprehensive digital transformation agenda to modernize services, and drive economic growth.
She commended Lusaka Telecom Solutions for its role in supporting national digital infrastructure, which is key to bridging the digital divide and positioning Zambia as a regional leader in technological adoption.
“By expanding digital infrastructure, we are ensuring that even rural and under-served communities gain access to essential socio-economic services. This inclusivity is critical for enabling our citizens especially the youth to access information, education, employment and business opportunities,” The Minister said.
While acknowledging that technology creates new jobs, the Minister underscored that the jobs created must be decent, productive and compliant with labour laws, including safe working conditions and access to social security for the workers.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment that allows the private sector to grow and create decent employment.
“On behalf of Government, I wish to assure you of our commitment to creating a supportive and predictable business environment; one in which the private sector can thrive and create decent jobs for our people,” She said.
National Productivity Development Director, Cyprian Mayamba encouraged the company to submit their identified skills gaps to the Ministry so that the Skills Advisory Committee could facilitate engangements with other stakeholders to ensure training programmes remain responsive to the needs of the labour market.
Lusaka Telecom Solutions Country manager Ahmed Hameed said the company is committed to building a highly capable and industry-ready workforce by prioritizing local, hands-on training programs designed to equip employees with practical skills demanded in today’s economy.
And sales manager Aya Hesham called on academia to enhance training in artificial intelligence, and cyber security skills which are scarce in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
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8th Edition of the Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk


Happening Now! – Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk (8th Edition)

Greetings from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security – National Productivity Development Department.

We are pleased to announce that the 8th Edition of the Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk is happening now, today Tuesday, 9th December 2025 at 10:00 hours (Zambian Time).

This live virtual session features leading experts sharing real-time insights on productivity and its impact on Zambia’s social and economic development.

Our guest speaker for this edition is Dr. Aaron Mujajati, a renowned Medical Specialist, discussing the theme:
“Optimizing Work–Life Balance to Enhance Productivity.”

Join our Moderator, Ms. Yvonne Kanenga Nawila, right now for this inspiring and practical conversation on productivity in Zambia.

👉 Click here to join live on our YouTube Channel:
[https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCerj5tBdTjOe_oqiwh6xDtg](https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCerj5tBdTjOe_oqiwh6xDtg)

We invite you to participate and be part of this productive conversation happening now!

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LAWMAKERS COLLABORATE ON PREVENTING WORK-RELATED ILLNESSES, AS OHSI BILL NO. 17 OF 2025 PASSES THIRD READING

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Press Release
LAWMAKERS COLLABORATE ON PREVENTING WORK-RELATED ILLNESSES, AS OHSI BILL NO. 17 OF 2025 PASSES THIRD READING
Lusaka, Zambia, 3rd December, 2025 -The Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) Bill No. 17 of 2025 has passed the Third Reading in the National Assembly and now awaits Presidential assent to become law.
The historic safety reform, seeks to strengthen Zambia’s occupational health and safety framework by continuing the existence of the Occupational Health and Safety Institute, redefining its functions, and reconstituting its Board to enhance governance, accountability, and operational efficiency. It also introduces health and safety committees in all workplaces to improve compliance and promote shared responsibility between employers and employees.
Once assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, the new law will repeal and replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010, signaling a major transition in the country’s approach to safeguarding the health and well-being of workers.
The current Act, though effective over the past years, has notable limitations, including narrow sectoral coverage and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Since its establishment in 1945, the Occupational Health and Safety Institute’s services primarily targeted the mining sector, leaving workers in other industries exposed to occupational risks without adequate protection.
The new Bill addresses these long-standing gaps by extending occupational health and safety regulation to all sectors of the economy. It empowers authorized officers to suspend or close workplaces that pose imminent danger to workers or the public, and mandates the creation of workplace health and safety committees comprising equal representation from employers and employees, thereby promoting a shared responsibility, strengthen compliance, and improve safety across all industries.
In support of these reforms, Government recently revised and gazetted the medical examination fees for pneumoconiosis and related occupational health assessments conducted by the Institute. The adjustments were issued under Statutory Instrument No. 70 of 2025, signed by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, marking the first major revision since 2003. The updated fees are intended to ensure the Institute’s financial sustainability and strengthen its capacity to deliver high-quality occupational health services nationwide.
The revised fees are as follows:
i. Initial (Pre-Employment) Examination – K680.40
ii. Periodic (In-Employment) Examination – K491.20
iii. Discharge Examination -K806.40
iv. Village Benefit (Post-Employment) Examination – K806.40
Post-Mortem Examinations:
v. Lung Histology Specimen – K882
vi. Heart Histology Specimen – K882
vii. Brain Histology Specimen – K882
The new law gives the Institute forceful mechanisms to enforce safety standards and reduce occupational diseases and injuries. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will see to it that the health, safety and welfare of workers is protected across the country.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY BIDS FAREWELL TO FALLEN DRIVER

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga yesterday led mourners in bidding farewell to fallen Driver, Joseph Ngula, whom he described as valuable asset to the Ministry owing to his dedication to duty.
Mr. Ngula and Zambia Statistics Agency Employee Abraham Banda, died on November 28, 2025 in a tragic road accident on Great North Road in Mukushi district, en route to Northern Province for an assignment on the Labour Force Survey.
In paying tribute, Mr. Luhanga eulogized the late Mr. Ngula for his commitment to duty, whose work ethic earned him a special attachment to his office; a role he served with distinction until his untimely passing.
“Ngula was a valuable asset to the Ministry who worked with passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty. He approached every task with purpose and discipline. His positive attitude and ability to work well with everyone made him a joy to work with. His presence brightened our workplace every day,” Mr Luhanga said.
“Joseph Ngula performed two very critical assignments for the government through my ministry before his death. We needed a driver to rush a document to the Minister at Parliament, humble as he was, we called out for him and he came running and asked for the documents which he took to parliament for the Minister.
The second important assignment was the assignment which even took his life. He was with a colleague from Zambia Statistics Agency going to Northern Province so that they could go and do a very important assignment, which we call labour force survey. The Labour force survey is very important to the Government, because it helps us know how many people are employed in Zambia.”
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the profound heartbreak experienced by the family and his colleagues, emphasised that despite the pain brought by the sudden loss, Mr. Ngula’s legacy would continue to live through the lives he touched.
“He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a dependable son. Today we mourn a life cut short, but we also honour the strength of the spirit he leaves behind,”Mr. Luhanga said.
He reflected on the tragic timing of his death, which happened in the same month Zambia marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims November 16, adding that his burial in December comes just weeks before the country joins the global community in observing World Road Safety Week.
Mr Luhanga said such events should not just be observed casually as they serve as a reminder to road users to prioritize safety and ward off fatality.
He assured the family that the Ministry is awaiting a detailed report from the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the Zambia Police to provide clarity on the accident.
He appealed for calm, adding that the findings would be shared with the family once they are made available by the authorities.
“As a Ministry, we will fulfil our obligation to facilitate all entitlements due to the late Mr. Ngula. We stand with the family during this difficult period,” said Mr Luhanga.
Mr Ngula is survived by a wife and three children.
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MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IMPLORED TO EDUCATE CONSTITUENTS ON PENSION REFORMS

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has called on Members of Parliament to take a leading role in educating their constituents on the ongoing pension reforms.
Speaking when she officially closed the Stakeholders’ forum on pension reforms with the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, and other Members of Parliament from different Committees, Ms. Tambatamba said the purpose of these reforms is to secure the financial viability of workers throughout the entire life cycle.
She said that many workers face a time in life when their strength to work diminishes, making it crucial to build strong, reliable income generating businesses after retirement.
“We must ensure that when their bodies can no longer carry the burden of labour, their years of service continue to provide for them through meaningful retirement benefits and old-age benefits,” Ms Tambatamba said.
The Minister highlighted that the reforms are designed to boost worker productivity and economic stability by giving citizens confidence that their contributions today will translate into dependable support in future.
She urged Members of Parliament to become advocates of pension reforms, to help the public understand how the reforms work and how workers will benefit from them.
“You are the closest link to the people. It is important that you explain these reforms clearly so that workers and families know the long-term value of contributing to a sustainable pension system,” Ms Tambatamba said.
She also announced that the Ministry will intensify its engagements with Members of Parliament to ensure they fully grasp the objectives, mechanisms, and impact of the pension reforms, to enhance the national campaign to build a more secure, inclusive, and future ready social protection system.
Kamfinsa Memeber of Parliament Christopher Kangombe pledged to play an active role in championing the pension reforms.
✅The proposed reforms include increasing the NAPSA income replacement rate from 40 percent to 45 percent, and raising the NAPSA minimum pension from 20 percent to 25 percent of the national average earnings.
✅They also allow the 20 percent pre-retirement benefit to be accessible at the point of retirement as a lump sum, with considerations underway to explore the feasibility of increasing it from 20 percent to 25 percent without affecting the adequacy of the residual monthly pension or the sustainability of the scheme.
✅ A Second-Tier Pension for Public Workers. such as teachers, police officers and health personnel employed after 2000 who currently only contribute to NAPSA, will be allowed to also contribute to the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) while workers under local authorities and utility companies will contribute to Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF).
✅In addition, the reforms propose introducing voluntary additional contributory sub-schemes under NAPSA, the Public Pension Scheme Fund (PSPF) and the Local Authorities’ Superannuation Fund (LASF) to enhance benefits that can be taken as a lump sum.
✅Furthermore, the proposed reform to the Public Service Pension Fund is aimed at raising public service workers’ pensions by adding a 20 percent income replacement ratio to the 40 percent provided by NAPSA, bringing the total to at least a 60 percent income replacement ratio at retirement.
✅With the enhancement of the NAPSA income replacement rate, civil servants will ultimately be entitled to a combined 65 percent income replacement rate.
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Proposed Reforms Will Modernise Pensions and Deliver Customer-Centric Services – Tambatamba

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has called on Members of Parliament to rise above political divides and unite behind key social security (pension) reforms aimed at safeguarding the future of Zambian workers.
Ms. Tambatamba reminded lawmakers that the pension reforms being undertaken under the National Pensions Scheme Authority, (NAPSA), Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) are aimed at reestablishing trust and serve their purpose of preserving dignity for workers in retirement through the provision of an income stream every month.
The Minister was speaking when she officially opened the stakeholders’ forum on pension reforms with the parliamentary committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters including members from other parliamentary committees.
Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that the reforms are not merely technical adjustments but a profound national commitment.
“These reforms are not just policy changes; they are a promise of dignity, security, and hope for every Zambian worker who has spent a lifetime building this nation,” she said.
Among the challenges that have persisted in the social security landscape, are: low coverage, inadequate benefits, fragmented systems, delayed payments, and inconsistencies in legislation.
In January this year, Cabinet approved the initiation of comprehensive pension reforms to remedy the following; the timely and predictable benefit payments to retirees, harmonising pension schemes to improve efficiency, strengthening governance and transparency in pension fund management, expanding coverage so that no worker is left behind.
Other curative measures are the promotion of sustainability and adequacy of the schemes and funds by aligning contributions and benefits with economic realities, and modernizing the pensions legal framework to make it customer-centric.
Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that endorsing progressive laws being implemented by the New Dawn Administration, the country will have a pension system that is sustainable, equitable, and aligned with the needs of both current and future generations.
“Government has shown goodwill and commitment to make these reforms a reality, because we believe that every citizen deserves a retirement that is secure and meaningful. your support will ensure that we deliver a system that is fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our people. together, let us make history by giving our workers the future they deserve.”
The Minister urged Members of Parliament to approach the matter with unity and patriotism.
“Let us rise above politics and personal interests, and unite for a cause that speaks to the heart of every family in Zambia, because when we protect the worker, we protect the nation. Together, let us make history by giving our workers the future they deserve. The opportunity is here and the time to act is now,”said Ms. Tambatamba.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee of National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, Sibeso Sefulo said there’s need to build a transparent pension framework by creating laws that harmonize the country’s pension funds and schemes, a move that will improve efficiency and expand benefits for workers across Zambia.
And Emoluments Commission Director General, Chebo Mbula urged participants to openly discuss the key areas of concern, emphasizing that such dialogue would provide valuable input that will shape and strengthen the ongoing reform process.
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TAMBATAMBA CALLS FOR PROACTIVE SAFETY IN INDUSTRY, NOT POST-ACCIDENT RESPONSES

Lusaka, Zambia 28th November, 2025-Minister of Labour and Social and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has urged industry to make workplace safety paramount, as it is the foundation of national productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Ms. Tambatamba was speaking During a Courtesy visit paid on her office by Chilanga Cement Chief Executive officer, Chai Jianping. The Minister remarked that occupational safety and health is not an optional corporate exercise but a legal obligation that protects workers against physical harm and exposure to hazardous substances.
Ms. Tambatamba said Government expects all companies especially those operating in high risk sectors, to adopt a proactive, preventive and systematic approach to occupational safety and health and encouraged Chilanga Cement to work proactively with the Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSH) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
“We must desist from having a reactive approach to matters of safety and health. Instead, we must be proactive; engaging the OSH Department before accidents occur,” the Minister said.
Ms. Tambatamba extolled Chilanga Cement for championing productivity and job creation, promoting a safety culture, maintaining an accident free record and engaging Government on critical labour matters. The Minister further emphasized Government’s broader economic agenda anchored on productivity, job creation and value addition.
“Work is not visitation at your place of work, it’s about delivering a product for the country’s economic growth. Work starts from the community; hence President Hakainde Hichilema is promoting the culture of work through cooperatives,” Ms. Tambatamba said.
She indicated that while the private sector will drive economic transformation under the Eighth National Development Plan, Government remains committed to providing an enabling environment through sound policy, regulation and infrastructure.
On human capital development, Ms. Tambatamba encouraged enterprises like Chilanga Cement to continue building synergies with the National Productivity Development Department, whose mandate includes supporting organizations in strengthening competitiveness, fostering continuous improvement and nurturing harmonious labour-management relations.
Chilanga Cement reported exceptional progress in safety, announcing that all major projects undertaken over the past three years were completed with zero lost-time injuries.
The projects include: the expansion of the Chilanga Plant, raising daily clinker output from 2,300 to 2,800 tons, construction of a new Lime Production Line at the Ndola Plant, the upgrade of Kiln 1 in Ndola, increasing capacity from 500 to 1,500 tons per day, development of a Dry Mortar Production Line at Chilanga and the procurement of a 2-ton waste-management shredder to manage garbage within the community.
In his remarks Mr. Jianping said teams in production, maintenance, and laboratory operations have been sent for specialized training in Tanzania and Malawi, while Zambian experts in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Legal affairs, have provided technical support to sister operations across Africa and the Middle East.
Chilanga Cement Human Resource Officer, Wamusheke Simenda revealed that several contractors trained during these projects have since transitioned into full-time employment, and 50 graduates have been onboarded on the Company’s step-up platform for training, demonstrating how investment-led skills development directly supports job creation.
The delegation assured the Honourable Minister that Huaxin Group remains committed to long-term, sustainable investment in Zambia and continue maturing to make Chilanga Cement the leading cement producer in the country, while preserving its decades-old legacy.
Issued by:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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NO ZAMBIAN WORKERS WILL LOSE JOBS THROUGH NEW INVESTMENTS-PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

President Hakainde Hichilema has vowed that no Zambian worker will be declared redundant as the country attracts new investments.
Addressing the Press this morning, the Head of State said Government is commitment to safeguarding jobs and expanding employment opportunities.
The President cited Mopani Copper mines as an example in creating opportunities for citizens through the 2,700 jobs offered to the locals.
President Hichilema recalled how he shut out an investor for not being aligned with his vision of employment creation and economic empowerment when the said investor proposed on declaring 5,000 workers redundant on the Copperbelt Province.
“I remember one day my colleagues in Cabinet were not happy with me. I said, “This bid, don’t talk to me about it. Why is it that they want to declare 5,000 workers redundant? We are here to employ, to create employment. How can a bidder tell me they will remove 5,000 citizens from the mines when people have been waiting for a revival?” I said, “Ouch”. There was a debate, then I ruled: “This debate is over. This bid is out.” If they want to send 5,000 Zambians home, we cannot accept that,” he said.
“And then an investor came who promised no redundancies; instead, an additional 2,000 jobs, and even more people employed. That is what we are doing for the people, even for those who may not realise that 2,000 jobs, multiplied by a family of eight, multiplied by another factor of ten for the extended family, means thousands more people benefiting.”
President Hichilema underscored that employment preservation and creation are non-negotiable, as Government’s commitment under pillar number one of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) is to expand employment opportunities and grow the economy.