GOV’T MOBILISES 85 PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPIONS TO DRIVE JOB CREATION AND WORKPLACE EFFICIENCY

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Posted by admin on January 29, 2026 at 9:16 AM

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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has appointed 85 Productivity Champions across Zambia’s ten provinces, in a move aimed at strengthening job creation, workplace efficiency, and inclusive economic growth.

Speaking during a virtual orientation of the first batch of Productivity Champions, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, said the appointments mark a critical step in translating the national productivity agenda into tangible labour market outcomes at provincial, district, constituency, ward, and workplace levels.

The Minister emphasized that President Hakainde Hichilema has placed productivity and inclusive development at the centre of Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, in line with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

“The President has consistently reminded us that Zambia’s progress depends on the productivity of her people. Through hard work, innovation and cooperation, we can lift our nation to greater heights,” Ms. Tambatamba said.

She added that government is committed to ensuring that every Zambian participates meaningfully in the labour force, regardless of status, and contributes to building a strong, inclusive, and resilient economy.

Role of Productivity Champions in Labour Market Transformation

The Productivity Champions will serve as a vital link between policy and employment outcomes, tasked with ensuring that productivity gains translate into better jobs, safer workplaces, and stronger enterprises.

Their responsibilities include Leading productivity advocacy at community and workplace level, Promoting smart work practices using local skills and resources, Facilitating partnerships among farmers, enterprises, women, and youth to expand employment opportunities, Supporting implementation of the National Productivity Policy and Monitoring and reporting job creation, workplace efficiency, and success stories.

Ms. Tambatamba commended the Champions for volunteering their time and expertise, urging them to carry out their mission with passion, patriotism, and zeal, noting that their efforts will positively impact millions of workers across Zambia.

“Together we can shape a future defined by commitment, innovation, and the unwavering belief that a better Zambia can only be built by our own hands,” she said.

She further encouraged more citizens to step forward and become Productivity Champions, observing that Zambia’s labour market requires more people committed to transforming the nation’s fortunes.

National Productivity Development Director, Cyprian Mayamba, highlighted that in 2025, the department Sensitized over 7,000 citizens on productivity and workplace efficiency, trained more than 700 artisanal and small-scale miners, strengthening their employability, supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand job opportunities and successfully digitalized five core productivity services, showcasing government’s commitment to innovation and results-driven labour market reforms.

Mr. Mayamba said the Productivity Champions initiative will build on these achievements by ensuring that productivity directly supports employment growth, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods.