By 
Immediate past Labour and Social Security Minister Brendah Tambatamba has urged her successor, Misheck Nyambose, to sustain key reforms in the labour sector, particularly the enactment of the Productivity Bill and implementation of the NAPSA Pension Act No. 72 of 2026.
Tambatamba said the proposed reforms were important to improving productivity, strengthening social security and supporting Zambia’s economic growth ambitions.
She was speaking on Monday during the handover of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to Nyambose in Lusaka, following her appointment as Minister of Mines and Mineral Development.
Tambatamba also called for the ratification of International Labour Organisation Convention 102 on Social Security Minimum Standards and the conclusion of outstanding reforms to the Industrial and Labour Relations Act and the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
She identified the establishment of skills sector bodies in key economic sectors, including transport and construction, completion of outstanding district offices and expansion of labour migration opportunities as other priorities requiring attention.
“The proposed Memorandum of Understanding on labour migration between Zambia, Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was awaiting feedback from the two countries,” Tambatamba said.
She expressed confidence that the proposed agreement would create employment opportunities and contribute to national revenue.
Tambatamba further urged Nyambose to maintain social dialogue structures that have helped sustain industrial harmony, saying cooperation among Government, employers and workers remained central to the ministry’s mandate.
“Tripartism is essential in maintaining industrial harmony and advancing the Ministry’s mandate,” she said.
She thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for the opportunity to serve as Labour and Social Security Minister from 2021 to 2026, and acknowledged Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga, ministry staff and social partners for their contribution to the sector’s progress.
Read More: Trade union decries poor work conditions, as govt insists on compliance with labour laws
In his remarks, Nyambose pledged to build on his predecessor’s work by strengthening social dialogue and cooperation among Government, employers and workers.
He said industrial harmony was essential to preventing workplace disputes, protecting workers and creating a stable environment for business growth, job creation and improved productivity under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
“Economic growth could only translate into meaningful benefits if workers were productive, adequately protected and operating in harmonious workplaces,” Nyambose said.
“We need to position Labour for the Grow Zambia Agenda to be achieved. We have competent staff, but we must engage more, listen to the challenges of our workers and ensure that we move in one direction.”
Nyambose also urged employers to comply with labour laws, expressing concern over companies engaging workers without employment contracts.
He said workers deserved proper employment arrangements and that compliance with labour legislation was essential to protecting their rights and sustaining productive workplaces.
The minister also highlighted the growth of social security institutions during Tambatamba’s tenure, citing an increase in the Workers’ Compensation Fund investment portfolio from K2.5 billion to K6.6 billion.
He said NAPSA’s investment portfolio had grown to K113.5 billion in 2026 from K54.5 billion in 2021.
“NAPSA had paid out K11 billion to approximately 600,000 beneficiaries without compromising its stability,” Nyambose said, adding that Government would continue strengthening social security institutions to safeguard workers’ retirement benefits.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments