HH Marks Birthday with Historic Education and Pension Reforms

This afternoon, President Hichilema will sign the Education (Amendment) Bill into law, transforming the lives of millions of children. The Government’s flagship free education programme will go from a policy to a legal right protecting future Zambian children by legislation.

Since it was introduced in January 2022, 2.6 million children have returned to classrooms. State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka remarked that “classrooms are full again, with children learning and dreaming of brighter futures.” He added that education is “the best investment and the greatest equaliser.”

State House called this a ‘defining moment’ for Zambia’s education and pension systems. Thousands of pensioners are expected to benefit from pension reforms namely: the National Pension Scheme Bill, 2026, the Public Service Pensions Bill, 2026, the Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill, 2026.

Hamasaka said that the minimum monthly pension will rise from K1,861 to K2,327, with more than 17,000 pensioners expected to benefit from the increase immediately. He said, “the pension reforms will bring clear and immediate benefits to Zambian workers and retirees,” adding that approximately 1.2 million NAPSA members stand to receive stronger growth in their pension savings.

“Taken together, these laws protect gains for our children and workers, and guarantee those gains for generations to come,” Hamasaka stated. “From the classroom to the workplace to a secure retirement, this is delivery that touches the life of every Zambian.”