Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba has unveiled pension reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of Zambia’s retirement system. Speaking during the National symposium on pension reforms today, Ms Tambatamba said the government is working with public social security schemes to introduce pension reforms to cater for both the immediate and future needs of workers. “These pressing issues impact the lives of citizens, which is why the government is working towards it,’’ she said.
The media reports that Ms Tambatamba said measures are being put in place to emphasise on timely benefit payments, harmonising pension schemes, strengthening governance and transparency. She added that coverage is being extended for previously excluded workers, to help reform the legal framework to build a more inclusive and citizen-centered pension system. Meanwhile, Zambia’s trade Unions Secretary General, Joy Beene said the unions have taken a firm stance on the ongoing pension reforms, insisting that changes should not simply ease the burden on the national treasury.
Mr Beene however noted that the reforms must prioritise restoring dignity, financial security, and hope for both current and future pensioners. Mr Beene emphasised that any reform must follow the principle of non-regression, ensuring that no worker is left out as a result of the changes. And Zambia Federation of Employers President, Myra Ngoma urged the government to make sure the reforms address the role of government in social security.
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In June 2025, the Government deepened pension reforms through nationwide stakeholder consultations, including a national symposium, to build consensus on changes to three public pension schemes. The process resulted in the drafting of three reform bills, the National Pension Scheme Bill, 2025, the Public Service Pensions Fund Bill, 2025, and the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Bill, 2025-aimed at improving governance, sustainability and service delivery within the pension system. The formal nationwide stakeholder consultations on pension reforms in Zambia began after extensive engagements across the country in June 2025, when the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and other social security institutions held sessions in all 10 provinces to gather input for draft pension reform bills.
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