As the curtain falls on nearly five years at the helm of Zambia’s labour sector, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, leaves behind a legacy shaped by sweeping labour reforms, expanded social protection, and a determined push to restore dignity to the Zambian worker in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking ahead of the end of her tenure today Friday, 15th May 2026, Ms. Tambatamba reflected on what she described as a collective journey of rebuilding the labour market through law, fairness, and inclusive growth under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Today I am here not to say goodbye, but to say thank you,”and collectively reflect on the journey we have walked. Together, we defended workers’ dignity, strengthened labour laws, and built policies that will continue to shape the future of work in Zambia,” she said
The Minister aid the Ministry successfully implemented major reforms under its 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, by strengthening institutional governance, improving labour law enforcement, and expanding access to social security services across the country.
Among the key achievements under her tenure were the enactment and amendment of several labour laws, including reforms to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), which introduced the 20 percent pre-retirement pension benefit and reduced employer penalty rates. She also noted that over K2.2 billion was paid out to more than 66,000 former Zambia National Provident Fund (ZNPF) members following reforms aimed at closing legacy accounts.
Ms. Tambatamba further cited the expansion of occupational health and safety services to all sectors beyond mining, intensified labour inspections to improve compliance with labour and international standards, and the introduction of Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2025 to provide guaranteed funeral expense reimbursements under the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board.
She emphasized the importance of social dialogue through the Tripartite Labour Consultative Council, describing industrial harmony as essential for investment, productivity, and inclusive economic growth. The Minister also underscored efforts to extend social protection to informal sector workers and strengthen skills development systems by compiling a critical skills list in Mining, Tourism, Energy and Agriculture to align training with labour market demands.
Ms. Tambatamba thanked workers, employers, unions, and Ministry staff for contributing to the reforms, stating that the progress recorded was built on cooperation, sacrifice, and a shared commitment to protecting the dignity of labour in Zambia.
