Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting jobs, skills and pensions amid rapid changes in the world of work, Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango has said.
Officiating at the 2026 International Labour Day commemoration at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka, Dr. Nalumango said technological advancements, climate change and global dynamics are redefining employment, and Government is responding with economic reforms, social security expansion and skills development.
“Government is fully committed to growing the economy, protecting jobs and guaranteeing social security systems and upholding the dignity of workers, during employment and in retirement,” Dr. Nalumango said.
This year’s Labour Day was held under the theme: “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All.”
The Vice President said debt restructuring since 2021 has freed resources for free education, health, social cash transfer and CDF. She cited single-digit inflation, an appreciated Kwacha, revived mines and formalised small-scale mining as evidence of economic transformation.
She added that load shedding has been addressed, allowing barbershops, salons, restaurants, welding and tailoring businesses to operate without interruption, resulting in more jobs.
Dr. Nalumango also said Government is implementing pension reforms that allow NAPSA members to access 20 percent of their pension while still employed. Social security coverage has also been extended to informal sector workers including marketeers, bus and taxi drivers, and mobile money operators.
She further highlighted that measures to empower youths include public service recruitment of health workers and teachers, grants, loans and bursaries, the Imisepela digital platform for youth employment and entrepreneurship, and the re-introduction of the Voluntary National Service Training Programme.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act has been extended beyond mining to cover agriculture, construction and transport. Government is also strengthening legislation and intensifying labour inspections against unfair labour practices, she said.
Dr. Nalumango urged employers to ensure digital transformation does not cause job losses or erode workers’ rights, and called on them to provide training for new skills. She told workers to improve work culture, focus on productivity, and acquire skills aligned with digital technology and industry needs.
“Workers are the backbone of our economy. Without your dedication and hard work, our nation would not prosper,” she said.
The event was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata, Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala, Zambia Federation of Employers CEO Harrington Chibanda, ZCTU First Deputy President Joseph Chewe, diplomats, employers and workers.
LUSAKA, 1 May 2026.