Zambia emphasises dialogue to secure future of work
Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue among government, workers, and employers during 2026 Labour Day, highlighting cooperation, skills development, and stronger labour protections as key to securing a fair and inclusive future of work.
1 May 2026
Chinsali, Zambia (ILO News) – Zambia has renewed its commitment to cooperation among government, workers, and employers as it works towards a secure and inclusive future of work.
At the 2026 International Labour Day celebrations in Chinsali, leaders from the tripartite partners delivered a unified message: decent work can only be achieved through dialogue and partnership, not conflict.
The event was held under the theme, “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All.”
Officiating at the event, President Hakainde Hichilema stressed the need for strong workplace relations built on engagement and mutual respect.
“Industrial harmony must be built on cooperation between government, employers, and workers,” he said.
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving labour protection, strengthening workplace safety, and aligning Zambia’s labour standards with international best practices.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to equip workers with digital and future-ready skills, emphasising that technology should support—not replace—workers.
President Hichilema urged employers to invest in their workforce through fair pay, training, and safe working conditions, while calling on workers to remain disciplined and productive. “When workers win, Zambia wins,” he said.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Blake Mulala welcomed government efforts to create jobs and attract investment, particularly in the mining sector, but warned that job insecurity remains a concern.
He cited the growing use of short-term contracts and casual employment as a major challenge. “A worker cannot plan a family future on a three-month contract,” he said.
Mr. Mulala called for the regularisation of long-serving workers, improved skills training, pension reforms, and tax relief to ease the rising cost of living. He stressed that pensions are earned rights that should guarantee dignity in retirement.
Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President Myra Sakala-Ngoma said decent work depends on productive and sustainable businesses.
She noted that the world of work is changing rapidly due to digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and climate-related transitions.
She called for better alignment between education and labour market needs to ensure workers acquire relevant skills.
Mrs. Sakala-Ngoma highlighted progress under the ILO’s European Union-funded Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP), which has established Sector Skills Bodies in mining, agriculture, energy, and tourism.
She also supported pension reforms, emphasising that workers must be protected both during employment and after retirement.
ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, said strong institutions and social dialogue are key to inclusive development. He encouraged continued cooperation among all partners and called for greater investment in skills development.
Mr. Chibebe also stressed the need to expand social protection to include workers in the informal sector, ensuring that no one is left behind as the economy grows.
The Labour Day event underscored a shared commitment to collaboration in addressing labour market challenges and building a future where decent work is accessible to all.
