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Government has approved two major pension reform bills aimed at strengthening the country’s retirement benefits system and expanding coverage, Chief government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has announced.
Speaking in an update on recent Cabinet decisions, Mweetwa said the National Pensions Scheme (Repeal) Bill, 2026 and the Local Authorities Superannuation (Repeal) Bill, 2026 had been approved for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting.
Mweetwa explained that the National Pensions Scheme Bill sought to continue the existence of the National Pension Scheme Authority while redefining its functions and reconstituting its board.
The Bill also proposes to maintain the scheme itself, provide for its administration and management, and establish sub-schemes.
“It will also provide for the establishment of the National Pension Scheme Fund, regulate pension contributions, and ensure the payment of benefits,” he said.
He noted that the current law does not adequately provide for sustainable pension benefits in line with prevailing economic conditions.
“The amended law will provide a comprehensive legal framework to ensure sustainable and adequate pension benefits. It will also extend coverage to Zambian citizens living abroad and allow members to make supplementary contributions in addition to mandatory ones,” Mweetwa said.
On the Local Authorities Superannuation (Repeal) Bill, 2026, Mweetwa said Cabinet had proposed maintaining the existence of the current fund while renaming and restructuring it.
He said the Bill would reconstitute the board, redefine its functions, and preserve the membership, contributions and benefits structure under what will now be called the Superannuation Scheme.
Additionally, the legislation would provide for the establishment of an Occupational Superannuation Scheme and Fund.
Mweetwa said once enacted, the Bill would enhance the legal framework governing pensions for local authority employees, improve income replacement ratios, and expand pension coverage.
“The reforms are aimed at improving efficiency, equity and sustainability in the provision of pension benefits across the public service,” he said.
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