Zambia Fast-Tracks Social Protection and Skills Reform Ahead of Parliamentary Deadline

Zambia is accelerating key labour and social protection reforms, with Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha confirming the Government's commitment to ratifying ILO Convention 102 and passing the Work-Based Learning Bill before Parliament dissolves in May.

The announcement came during high-level talks in Lusaka with ILO Country Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, signalling renewed momentum in aligning Zambia's legal framework with international labour standards.

Two Critical Reforms on a Tight Timeline

The Government has set an ambitious legislative deadline, aiming to complete both reforms within weeks.

The priorities include:

• Ratification of ILO Convention 102, which establishes minimum standards for social security systems

• Passage of the Work Based Learning Bill, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment

"These reforms are essential to building an inclusive and modern social security system," Kabesha said. "We are committed to ensuring both processes are completed before Parliament dissolves."

Expanding Social Security Coverage Nationwide

Ratifying Convention 102 would mark a significant milestone for Zambia, committing the country to internationally recognised benchmarks in areas such as:

• Healthcare access

• Unemployment support

• Old-age and disability benefits

• Protection for families and vulnerable populations

Officials say the move will help expand coverage to more citizens, particularly those currently outside formal social protection systems.

The reform is also expected to reduce social vulnerability and strengthen resilience against economic shocks.

Work-Based Learning Bill Targets Youth Employment Crisis

Alongside social protection reforms, the Work-Based Learning Bill aims to tackle youth unemployment by embedding practical, job-ready skills into the education system.

Key objectives of the Bill include:

• Creating structured pathways for hands-on training and apprenticeships

• Aligning skills development with labour market demands

• Improving employability outcomes for young people

Kabesha emphasised that equipping youth with relevant skills is central to Zambia's long-term economic strategy.

"This Bill is critical for preparing a future-ready workforce that can meet the demands of a changing economy," he said.

ILO Backs Zambia's Reform Agenda

ILO Country Director Wellington Chibebe welcomed the Government's accelerated timeline, describing the reforms as "important milestones" for Zambia.

"Ratifying Convention 102 and enacting the Work Based Learning Bill will expand social security coverage and improve employability," Chibebe said. "The ILO remains fully committed to supporting Zambia through this process."

He added that strengthening the legal framework would enhance labour governance and bring Zambia closer to meeting core international labour standards.

Part of a Broader Decent Work Strategy

The reforms form part of Zambia's wider agenda to promote:

• Decent work and fair labour practices

• Inclusive economic growth

• Youth empowerment and skills development

Ongoing collaboration between the Government and the ILO continues to support initiatives in labour governance, workforce development, and social protection expansion.

A Defining Moment for Labour and Social Policy

With Parliament's dissolution looming, the coming weeks are seen as critical for delivering reforms that could reshape Zambia's labour and social protection landscape.

Both the Government and the ILO expressed confidence that the legislative process will be completed on schedule—potentially marking a turning point in the country's efforts to build a more resilient, inclusive, and skilled workforce.