04/06/2026
Landmark Pension Reforms coming.
President Hakainde Hichilema to Assent to Three Landmark Pension Reforms Today
Thousands of pensioners and workers across Zambia are set to benefit from sweeping pension reforms immediately after the enactment of four landmark pension laws to be signed by President Hakainde Hichilema today aimed at strengthening social security and improving benefits for contributors and retirees.
President Hichilema will sign into law the National Pension Scheme Bill, 2026, the Public Service Pensions Bill, 2026, the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill, 2026 and the Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
According to a statement issued by State House Chief Communication Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, the new laws are expected to transform the country’s pension system by increasing benefits, improving access to retirement savings and enhancing the sustainability of pension schemes.
One of the most immediate benefits is the increase of the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327, a move that will directly benefit more than 17,000 pensioners currently receiving the minimum pension.
In addition, approximately 30,000 retirees will now be able to access an advance lump-sum payment from their pension benefits, with some beneficiaries expected to receive as much as K17,500.
The reforms will also positively impact about 1.2 million members of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) by improving the growth of their pension savings and strengthening the management of pension funds.
Mr Hamasaka said the reforms are designed to ensure that workers receive better returns on their contributions while safeguarding their financial security during retirement.
The pension laws form part of a broader package of legislation assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and securing long-term social and economic development.
Alongside the pension reforms, the President will also assent to the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which entrenches the Free Education Policy introduced in January 2022.
Since the introduction of free education, more than 2.6 million children have returned to school, significantly expanding access to education and creating opportunities for thousands of families across the country.
The State House chief communications specialists added that education and pension reforms complement each other by supporting citizens throughout different stages of life, from accessing education in childhood, to productive employment in adulthood, and financial security in retirement.
The enactment of the pension laws will mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to build a stronger social protection system and ensure that workers can retire with greater dignity, security and confidence.
