MINISTER TAMBATAMBA OFFICIATES AT THE 2ND NAPSA STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT FORUM

Key highlights from the speech by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, at the 2024 NAPSA Stakeholders’ Forum in Kitwe:

The Minister highlighted that the forum took place in Kitwe, a region known for its resilience and economic activity, especially with the revival of key mining operations. She emphasized the timeliness of the event given the increased economic activity and the need for enhanced social security measures.
She thanked NAPSA for organizing the second stakeholders’ forum, following a successful inaugural event in Lusaka. The first forum allowed stakeholders to understand NAPSA’s performance and provide feedback, leading to improvements such as the introduction of the online compliance certificate.
The forum aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for stakeholder dialogue to improve service delivery. The theme, “Strengthening Social Security through Sustainable Growth and Resilience,” focuses on collaboration and idea exchange to enhance the social security system, addressing challenges faced by Copperbelt companies.
She stated that the Government is committed to providing sustainable and predictable social security for workers and retirees, in line with Vision 2030 and the 8th National Development Plan. Measures include extending social security coverage to the informal economy, issuing statutory instruments on contribution ceilings and penalty waivers, and allowing partial pension withdrawals.
Reviving the mining sector is a key focus, creating jobs and improving livelihoods. Increased mining activity leads to better incomes and access to social security benefits, aiming for a decent quality of life and a dignified retirement for all Zambians.
Extending social security coverage to the informal economy is a priority. The Government supports NAPSA’s efforts to include self-employed workers through inclusive policies and programs.
The Government backs NAPSA’s innovative initiatives, such as integration with the Government Service Bus, to improve service delivery and customer experience.
The Ministry is committed to creating an environment that supports workers, employers, and institutions like NAPSA. Pension reforms include penalty reduction and waiver programs, enhancing the social security system, introducing partial withdrawals for pension contributions, and increasing compliance inspections.
Comprehensive reforms are needed to modernize and strengthen Zambia’s social security system. The reform process involves extensive stakeholder consultation to address systemic issues, with significant progress made.
The Minister acknowledged the tough economic phase exacerbated by the El Niño effect, calling on the resilient spirit of the Zambian people to overcome challenges through collective effort. The forum should be a springboard for action, idea sharing, and partnership building.
On behalf of the New Dawn Government and President Hakainde Hichilema, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment to supporting NAPSA and stakeholders in making Zambia a middle-income prosperous country with a strong, inclusive, and sustainable social security system.
The Minister concluded by officially declaring the second NAPSA Stakeholders’ Forum open and wished the participants fruitful deliberations.