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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
đź—“ Date: Monday, 28th April 2025
đź“Ť 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.
âś… Free registration
âś… Open to workers, employers, safety champions, students, and the general public!
âś… 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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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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GOVERNMENT CAUTIONS AGAINST THE UNDERPAYING OF NON-UNIONIZED WORKERS.

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

 

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNMENT CAUTIONS AGAINST THE UNDERPAYING OF NON-UNIONIZED WORKERS.

 

Lusaka, 16th January, 2025… To protect vulnerable employees and keep pace with the cost of living, Government through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has increased the minimum wages for bus and truck drivers with a K1,000 and K800.

The buses are those which are public service vehicles licensed to carry 40 or more passengers while the trucks are those public service vehicles licensed to carry goods.

Announcing the new minimum wages on January 16, 2025, Minister of Labour and Social Security honourable Brenda Tambatamba indicated that bus drivers will no longer be earning K2, 200 as their basic pay, but will now be earning K3, 000, while truck drivers will now be paid K4,000 as their basic pay from K3,000.

Government had noted that the conditions for drivers were not promising and resolved to revise the minimum wages and its resolve was communicated to stakeholders in the transportation sector by the Labour commissioner, Mr. Givens Muntengwa, on December 31, 2024, following the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) meeting that was held to revise the minimum wages for bus and truck drivers.

During the stakeholder engagement, Zambia congress of trade unions president, Blake Mulala, expressed worry with the non-compliance of minimum wages.

Stakeholders were hopeful that the wages would help to mitigate disputes in the transport sector.

The revised wages were approved by cabinet following a plea by workers after considering submissions from stakeholders.

This will cater for the vulnerable employees who are not affiliated to any union and who earn less wages set out in the minimum wage orders and do not affect unionized drivers earning good wages.

Honourable Tambatamba said that the revision of the salaries for bus and truck drivers is contained in Statutory Instrument No.3 of 2025 as published in the Government gazette on January 10, 2025 and will take effect on April 10, 2025.

Cross-border subsistence allowances have also been increased by Five Dollars (US$5).

Allowances have been increased from US$25 per night to US$30 per night in an event where the truck does not have a sleeping cabin.

In instances where the truck has a sleeping cabin, an allowance of US$20 per night will be allotted to the driver instead of US$15 per night.

Paragraph (2) of section of the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment (truck and bus drivers) Order, SI No. 106 of 2020 was also amended to expand the list of dangerous goods which now includes; explosives, flammable gases and liquids as well as flammable solids, oxidizing substances; toxic substances; infectious substances and radioactive substances.

The bus and truck drivers’ wages were introduced in 2020 under the new Employment Code Act and were last reviewed in 2022.

Honorable Tambatamba has cautioned employers against paying non-unionized workers below the minimum wages and conditions of employment.

On the other hand, she emphasized the need for employers to allow workers to be part of unions and engage in collective bargaining processes.

 

Issued by:

(Official copy signed)

Mwaka Ndawa (Miss)

Principal Public Relations Officer.

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Driving Economic Growth Through Talent Localization: A China-Zambia Collaboration

Here are the highlights from the speech delivered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga, at the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) and Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ) Seminar, 27th December, 2024:

  • The seminar focused on “Localisation of Talent Resources to Promote China-Zambia Economic and Trade Development,” addressing employer and employee challenges in labour management.
  • The Permanent Secretary emphasized the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment, recognizing the role of private sector investments, particularly by Chinese businesses, in job creation, skills development, and economic transformation.
  • Employers, especially Chinese companies, were urged to adhere to labour laws, with specific attention to providing safe working conditions, issuing employment contracts, and allowing unionization.
  • Businesses were encouraged to register human resource staff with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) to reduce labour law misunderstandings and promote ethical business practices.
  • Participants were called to collaborate with the Government to address climate-related challenges affecting businesses and to build resilient production systems.
  • Social partners and associations were urged to organize more workshops to enhance dialogue between government and businesses, fostering compliance and cooperation for increased productivity.
  • Strong support was requested for government anti-corruption efforts, promoting transparency in business practices.
  • Participants were encouraged to actively engage in discussions and share ideas to strengthen employer-employee relationships and promote sustainable economic growth.

The speech concluded with the official opening of the workshop, reaffirming a shared commitment to ethical, productive, and transformative business practices.

ACCZ president 演讲Mr Liao’s Speech 27.12.2024 SG remarks at ZFE SPEECH BY PS MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY -ZFE – ACCZ WORKSHOP – 27 DECEMBER 2024

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MLSS AND CIJ SIGN MOU

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, gave a speech during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ). The speech expressed the following highlights:
He emphasized the MOU’s focus on law reform, capacity building initiatives, and exchange of legal knowledge to enhance public governance and achieve sustainable development.
Cabinet approval for the amendment of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act and the Employment Code Act was mentioned as part of ongoing legal reforms.
He noted that an action plan for revising the two acts has been developed, with completion expected within six months.
The Chandler Institute recently trained legal officers from the Ministry in legislative drafting, which is expected to positively impact ministerial deliverables.
Mr. Luhanga detailed the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, emphasizing its alignment with ILO Convention 87 and its role in promoting workers’ rights, dispute resolution, and social dialogue.
The Employment Code Act was outlined as addressing workplace discrimination, employee entitlements, protection of wages, employment policies, and regulation of child labourChandler MOU Speech (1).
He underscored the importance of these laws in improving productivity, resolving skills mismatches, and fostering industrial harmony.
The Acting Permanent Secretary concluded by thanking the Chandler Institute of Justice for their support and partnership in achieving these milestones.
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SKILLS, PRODUCTIVITY AND JOBS SUMMIT PAVES THE WAY FOR TRANSFORMATION

The National Skills, Productivity and Jobs Summit comes to a successful conclusion.
During the closing remarks, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, expressed her deep gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and organizers of the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit for their active engagement and contributions.
– She emphasized the critical role of the Summit in addressing Zambia’s core challenges, including skills mismatches, unemployment, and low productivity, and its significance in shaping a roadmap for economic transformation.
– The Minister highlighted key achievements of the Summit, including:
• Strengthened collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society.
• Identification of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalization as pivotal elements for economic progress.
• Acknowledgment of youth and human capital as drivers of sustainable development.
– She urged the private sector to actively invest in mentorship and skills development initiatives and called on educational institutions to align curricula with market demands to meet current economic needs.
– The Minister commended the role of cooperating partners in supporting government efforts and encouraged their continued involvement to foster the progress discussed during the Summit.
– She reassured participants of the Ministry’s commitment to:
• Creating conducive environments for job creation and skills enhancement.
• Driving innovation, productivity, and equity in opportunities.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the policies and strategies identified.
– Hon. Tambatamba envisioned the Summit as a turning point for Zambia’s sustainable growth, suggesting its institutionalization as an annual event to track progress and foster collective action.
– In closing, she expressed optimism that with unified efforts, Zambia can achieve a prosperous future driven by a skilled and innovative workforce.
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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA OFFICIALLY OPENS THE NATIONAL SKILLS, PRODUCTIVITY AND JOBS SUMMIT

03rd December 2024… President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the Summit, in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, he emphasized Zambia’s focus on bridging skills gaps, boosting productivity, and creating decent jobs. Key highlights from the speech include:
• President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit as a critical step in addressing Zambia’s economic challenges and fostering job creation, skills development, and productivity growth.
• He emphasized the importance of linking job seekers with employers, both locally and internationally, and improving skills to meet industry demands through internships, apprenticeships, and industrial attachments.
• The President stressed the need for technical and vocational education (TVET) and STEM fields to prepare the workforce for modern economic demands.
• Acknowledging Zambia’s surplus of skilled labour, particularly in education and health, he advocated exporting labour to reduce unemployment and boost global influence.
• He outlined the government’s focus on creating sustainable, decent jobs in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and IT.
• President Hichilema underlined the role of productivity as central to economic transformation and called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector, and educational institutions.
• He announced initiatives such as the Zambia National Service Skills Development Program and enhanced ICT access to equip citizens with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
• The speech also highlighted achievements in free education, construction of classroom blocks, and partnerships with the private sector to expand training opportunities.
• In conclusion, he called for stakeholders to turn summit discussions into actionable strategies for empowering citizens, improving productivity, and ensuring no one is left behind in Zambia’s development journey.
Below are some picture highlights from day 1 of the event.
Let’s turn discussions into action for a productive Zambia where no one is left behind.
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Ministry of Labour Staff Embrace Tradition and Cleanliness to Commemorate Zambia @ 60

As Zambia celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary on 24th October 2024, staff members at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are marking this milestone in a unique and meaningful way. In line with the celebration’s theme, “60 Years Strong; Honouring Our Heritage, Embracing the Future,” the staff have committed to wearing traditional outfits every week and participating in the “Keep Zambia Clean, Green, and Healthy” campaign as part of the commemorations for Zambia @ 60.
The initiative not only reflects the pride in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage but also supports the Government’s efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the country. By donning traditional attire, Ministry employees are showcasing Zambia’s diverse cultural identity, from the vibrant chitenge fabrics to other iconic garments that represent various regions and ethnic groups. This act of cultural expression serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity in diversity and its journey towards development over the past 60 years.
As Zambia @ 60 celebrations continue the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s weekly activities serve as a vibrant reminder of the country’s cultural richness and the collective responsibility to improve our country, embodying the true spirit of independence.
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Official Launch of the 10th ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival at OYDC

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba, officially opened the 10th ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival at OYDC in Lusaka today. The speech delivered by the Minister highlighted the importance of a healthy workplace and a healthy worker with the following highlights:
• The festival’s theme, “Championing a Collaborative and Healthy Working Environment in the Delivery of Financial Services for Economic Growth,” aligns with the Government’s vision of fostering a progressive, healthy, happier, and productive workforce in Zambia.
• The Minister emphasized the critical link between the quality of the working environment and the broader economic outcomes, underscoring that collaborative and healthy workplaces are key to ensuring employees are motivated and engaged to deliver high-quality services.
• The festival symbolizes unity, teamwork, and individual well-being, values crucial for Zambia’s national development.
• The Minister highlighted the role of sports in promoting physical and mental health, which is important in all areas of human activity.
• Employers and trade unions were urged to develop and implement policies promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for workers through events like the sports festival.
• The Government reaffirmed its commitment to sports development due to its critical role in uniting the country, creating employment, and contributing to economic development.
• The Minister encouraged the application of teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication—principles learned through sports—to the workplace, fostering a healthy working environment where every person feels valued and motivated.
• The Minister officially declared the 10th ZUFIAW Sports Festival open, encouraging participants to engage actively and embrace the festival’s lessons.