President Hakainde Hichilema has urged employers across the country to prioritise workers’ conditions, warning that business growth cannot be achieved without a protected and motivated labour force.
Officiating at the 2026 Labour Day Celebrations yesterday, themed: “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All” President Hichilema said sustainable business growth in Zambia depends on how well employers treat and invest in their workforce.
Emphasizing on the value of labour, the Head of State described workers as the backbone of any enterprise, stressing that no business can function without employees.
“Labour, we celebrate you. No employer, no capital will run a business without labour. I am one of the labour fraternity,” he said, while also acknowledging the critical role of employers.
President Hichilema highlighted the interdependence between labour and capital, noting that the two must coexist in balance for the economy to thrive.
“We love employers as labour, the two are sides of the same coin,” he said.
President Hichilema emphasized that improving working conditions is not just a social obligation but a business imperative.
He called for deliberate efforts to protect workers and enhance their welfare, stressing that when workers are protected, valued, and fairly treated, productivity increases and enterprises become more resilient.
“Let us look after labour, let us look after our employers so that they can look after business. Successful employers mean successful employees,”the President said.
He further cautioned against industrial unrest, stressing that workplace stability is a key driver of economic growth.
“Stability in the workplace is vital for business to grow, we want to see more harmony and less street fights,” President Hichilema said, signalling government’s preference for dialogue and cooperation over conflict.
Linking efficiency to job creation, the President cited major projects such as the Ndola-Lusaka Dual carriage way, noted that prudent project implementation can help Government save on resources for expansion and employment.
“When we do projects at a low cost, we will save more money so we can employ more people,” he said, adding that a growing economy would enable employers to offer better wages and improved conditions of service.
President Hichilema made a clarion call for economic transformation, maintaining that Zambians must shift from consumption-driven habits to production-led growth.
“Let’s be a country of producers and not consumers,”said the Head of State.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba said the Ministry, through the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board, is constructing a budget hotel in Chinsali in Muchinga Province, which is near completion. She indicated that the K246 million project is expected to boost tourism in the northern circuit, with 69 bed spaces and a 300-seat conference capacity.
Ms. Tambatamba said the project is part of the institution’s broader initiative to channel pension-backed investments into productive sectors. She added that Labour Day also provides an opportunity to assess progress in strengthening industrial harmony, noting that employers and workers are increasingly opting for dialogue over confrontation.
Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe said the region is positioning itself as an investment destination. He restated Government’s resolve to fighting for decent wages, safe working conditions and social protection.
Zambia Federation of Employers president, Myra Ngoma stressed that the future of work must be closely tied to enterprise development and national competitiveness. She said investment in human capital is critical, describing skills as the “new currency” in a rapidly evolving global economy, which calls for stronger alignment between training systems and labour market demands to ensure the workforce remains relevant and competitive.
Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Blake Mulala said job protection must go beyond statistics, pointing to ongoing challenges such as insecure employment, casualisation and lack of pension coverage for many workers. He called for formalisation of the informal economy and stronger enforcement of labour protections, noting that Zambia risks losing global competitiveness if workers are left behind despite the ongoing reforms in key sectors.
And International Labour Organization country Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe emphasized that job protection must begin with deliberate job creation, particularly in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism and renewable energy.
He also highlighted the importance of productivity in spurring economic growth, stating that improving efficiency and output is essential for raising incomes, strengthening competitiveness and ensuring shared prosperity.
