GOV’T UNVEILS PENSION REFORMS “THE UNBORN”

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Posted by admin on December 18, 2025 at 2:58 AM

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Government has announced a sweeping package of pension reforms designed to safeguard the income security of current workers and future generations, including “those yet to be born.”

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba said the reforms are intended to guarantee dignity and financial stability for all Zambians throughout their working lives and into retirement.

“We are planning even for the unborn because they will one day enter the labour market and retire. A strong pension system is indeed a guarantee of dignity and income security,” she said.

She was speaking during the National Symposium on Pension Reforms held in Lusaka, attended by employer federations, labour unions and social security stakeholders.

The reforms include Increasing NAPSA income replacement rates, allowing workers to access 20% of their benefits before retirement, introducing voluntary contributory schemes under NAPSA, PSPF and LASF, expanding pension coverage to workers currently excluded and harmonising fragmented pension schemes across sectors

Ms Tambatamba said the reforms are designed to ensure that workers not only survive during employment but also retire with peace of mind and dignity.

She urged employers, workers and the public to support the reforms, describing them as a legacy for Zambia’s children and future generations.

Modernising Pension Administration

The minister said the reforms will modernise pension administration, improve transparency and ensure that no Zambian is left behind in the social security system.

She noted that the reforms address long‑standing challenges such as Low coverage, Inadequate benefits, Delayed payments and Fragmented schemes

“Income security in old age is essential to protecting workers’ dignity and sustaining household and national economic resilience,” she said.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Dr. Joy Beene said pension reforms must protect retirees’ dignity and ensure timely, adequate and inflation‑proof benefits.

“No worker should be worse off, and pensions must be fair, predictable and shielded from inflation,” he said.

Emoluments Commission Director General and Chairperson of the Steering Committee on Pension Reforms Chembo Mbula said the three 2025 pension bills—covering NAPSA, PSPF and LASF—aim to correct current weaknesses and strengthen the system.

Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President Myra Ngoma added that the social security system must guarantee dignity and stability for people after retirement.