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As Zambia joins the world in commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour which falls on June 12 every year, let us stand together to promote fair play for children and decent work for adults.
This World Day Against Child Labour, let us give a red card to child exploitation and champion a future where every child enjoys education, protection, and hope.
Together, we can protect children’s rights, and build a future free from child labour
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Education Is A Powerful Weapon Against Child Labour- Government

Government says education is the most effective tool in preventing and eliminating child labour, as children now have access to education across the country.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami attributed the decrease in cases of child labour to the introduction of free education by the UPND Government.
Ms Kawandami was speaking in Chipangali District during the observation of the Workd Day Against Child Labour yesterday, held at Kasenga primary school under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour; Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”.
According to the Ministry of Education, child enrollment rose from 5.9 million in 2023 to 6.5 million in 2024, with early childhood enrollment doubling from 336, 000 in 2021 to over 651, 000 in 2024.
Ms Kawandami said the free education policy contributed to the enrollment of two million children into school since 2021.
“The Government is investigating heavily in infrastructure via the Constituency Development Fund building schools and classrooms especially in rural areas. Government is also recruiting teachers expanding school feeding programs and providing desks and learning materials to improve quality and protect children from child labour,”she said.
Ms Kawandami added that the introduction of the competence-based curriculum is equipping learners with practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while strengthening efforts to keep children in school.
The new curriculum places greater emphasis on practical skills, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to prepare learners for future opportunities.
“All these efforts demonstrate Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in Zambia is protected, educated and given an opportunity to realize their full potential. I therefore call upon employers to uphold Labour laws and reject child labour,”said Ms. Kawandami
“Let us renew our commitment to giving a firm and united red card to child labour. Let us build a Zambia where every child is protected from exploitation; every family has access to decent livelihood and every child grows into a responsible and productive citizen.”
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Acting Permanent Secretary Greatson Chipalo said sustainable development cannot be built on the exploitation of children.
Meanwhile, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape said reintegrating children who drop out of school due to early pregnancy, strengthens the fight against child labour by safeguarding their right to education and reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Zambia Federation of Employers represented by Japan Tobacco International Corporate Affairs and Communications manager Hazele Hilary said ending child labour can be achieved when adults have decent jobs and social protection.
Mr Hazele called for responsible business conduct to eliminate child labour, by ensuring strengthened labour standards, fair competition; which can only be achieved through collective efforts.
Federation of Free Trade Unions Zambia, Secretary General Nelson Mwale urged mining owners to avoid cheap labour by hiring children in mining activities. He also appealed to traditional leaders to see to it that cultural activities do not hinder children from accessing education.
International Labour Organization Country Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe said, despite global progress, the world remains off track to end child labour by 2030, with agriculture continuing to account for the majority of child labour cases.
He indicated that sustainable agricultural growth must go hand in hand with the protection of children’s rights, because when farming families have access to education, social protection and decent work, children are less likely to be drawn into labour and are instead given the opportunity to thrive.
And Chief Chanje pledged to champion the fight against child labour by ensuring that children are not engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood and education, and that participation in cultural dances does not hinder their learning.

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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.

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President Hakainde Hichilema writes:

From the youths receiving free education, to the pensioners securing their future, we love you and we care for you. That is why we are delivering for you as we sign these landmark bills into law later today.
Today is a great day but there is still more work to be done.
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Press Statement (For Immediate Release) PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SIGNS HISTORIC NAPSA REFORMS, PLACES DIGNITY, SECURITY AND PROTECTION AT THE HEART OF RETIREMENT

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Press Statement (For Immediate Release)
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SIGNS HISTORIC NAPSA REFORMS, PLACES DIGNITY, SECURITY AND PROTECTION AT THE HEART OF RETIREMENT
Lusaka, Zambia, 4th June 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the National Pension Scheme (Amendment) Bill, No. 68 of 2026, which provides for the introduction of structured and regulated lump-sum access, allowing NAPSA contributors to withdraw part of their benefits before or at retirement under clear rules and safeguards.
At the same time, the reform maintains the core principle of ensuring lifelong monthly pension payments.
The law has repealed and replaced the National Pension Scheme Act of 1996, and will introduce improved governance structures, stronger compliance measures, expanded coverage, and better benefit administration. It will also render the pension scheme more adequate, inclusive, sustainable and responsive to changing labour market realities and socio-economic conditions.
Bill No. 68 of 2026 is aimed at modernising the legal framework governing the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) to make it more adequate, inclusive, well-governed and sustainable.
Compliance will be improved and pension coverage will be expanded through the introduction of sub-schemes aimed at accommodating emerging market needs. Rules on contributions and remittances will be tightened to protect workers’ savings and promote fairness among employers.
The new law also creates structured options for contributors to access part of their benefits in lump sums without undermining the social insurance character of the scheme.
Government had recognised the growing demand from contributors seeking greater flexibility as they approach retirement, hence the law will allow limited and orderly lump-sum access under clearly defined rules and safeguards, while preserving the core function of the pension scheme of providing monthly income security for retirees.
Among the key reforms contained in the new law is the increase in the pension accrual rate from 1.33 percent to 1.5 percent. This adjustment raises the income replacement rate from 40 percent to 45 percent, enabling retirees to receive higher monthly pension benefits and enjoy improved financial security in old age.
The law also increases the minimum pension from the current 20 percent to 25 percent of the National Average Earnings. As a result, the minimum pension will rise from K1,708 to K2,135, providing greater protection to low-income pensioners and helping reduce vulnerability among retirees.
In a landmark development, the law also introduces a Survivors’ Pension to replace the current one-off payment made to beneficiaries of members who have contributed to the Scheme for at least fifteen years but die before attaining pensionable age. This provision aligns Zambia’s pension system with the International Labour Organization Convention No. 102 on minimum standards of social security and guarantees continued financial support to surviving dependants.
The new law further allows members to access the Pre-Retirement Benefit at retirement as a lump sum, providing retirees with greater flexibility in managing their financial needs upon exiting active employment.
Additionally, the reforms introduce supplementary savings and diaspora pension schemes aimed at expanding retirement savings opportunities for Zambians living and working abroad, while strengthening financial inclusion and long-term savings.
The law also paves the way for the introduction of mandatory second Tier occupational pension schemes under the Public Service Pension Fund and the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund, thereby enhancing retirement income security for public sector workers.
The reform expands the range of benefits available under NAPSA, which now include Old age benefits, Invalidity benefits, Survivors’ beneits, Partial benefits, Funeral Grants and Voluntary Savings benefits.
Furthermore, the reform contributes to the implementation of the Eighth National Development Plan through the creation and strengthening of occupational pension schemes for public sector workers.
Issued By:
(Original copy signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security

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PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AVIATION SECURITY, ECZ SERVICES, TOLL AND WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATIONS CLASSIFIED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES

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