ZAFOD Pushes for Fully Accessible Election Accreditation Ahead of August Polls

By Alain Kabinda

With less than a month before Zambia heads to the polls on August 13, 2026, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) is calling on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that the election accreditation process is fully accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.

The federation says while the ECZ's decision to introduce a hybrid accreditation system marks significant progress, more needs to be done to eliminate barriers that could prevent persons with disabilities from participating meaningfully in election observation and other democratic processes.

In a statement issued to Daily News today by Federal Director Justine Bbakali, ZAFOD welcomed the Commission's decision to allow stakeholders to apply for accreditation either online or physically through District Electoral Offices, describing the move as a positive response to concerns previously raised by disability rights organisations.

                                                          (Mr. Justine Bbakali)

Earlier this year, when the ECZ announced an online-only accreditation process, ZAFOD cautioned that such an approach risked excluding many election observers, particularly those representing organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), who often encounter technological, communication and accessibility challenges.

The federation said the adoption of a hybrid system demonstrates progress towards a more inclusive electoral process but expressed disappointment that the changes were announced late and without sufficient consultation with stakeholders.

"The new approach has the potential to enhance participation and improve access for different categories of electoral stakeholders," Mr. Bbakali noted, adding that earlier communication would have allowed organisations more time to prepare for accreditation.

However, ZAFOD stressed that accessibility goes far beyond providing multiple application channels.

According to the federation, a truly inclusive accreditation process should ensure that physical facilities, communication systems, information materials and support services accommodate persons with different types of disabilities.

He has urged the ECZ to adequately prepare District Electoral Offices to handle physical accreditation through proper staffing, training and resource allocation.

Mr. Bbakali also called for accreditation centres, including the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and district offices, to be fully accessible and capable of providing reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities.

Recognising that information remains one of the biggest barriers to participation, ZAFOD further appealed for accreditation notices and public communication to be made available in accessible formats, including sign language interpretation, audio formats, easy-to-read materials and other alternative communication methods.

The federation also encouraged the ECZ to ensure organisations of persons with disabilities receive adequate information and support to participate as accredited election observers and monitors.

Given the late changes to the accreditation process and the limited time remaining before the elections, ZAFOD proposed that the Commission consider simplifying some administrative requirements.

It suggested that applicants should not be required to submit photographs and National Registration Card (NRC) copies in advance if in-person verification is already part of the accreditation procedure.

Such a measure, the organisation argued, would reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles while maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.

"Accessibility is not only about removing physical barriers; it is about creating conditions that enable all citizens and stakeholders to participate meaningfully, independently and with dignity in the electoral process," Mr. Bbakali stated.

The organisation also appealed to political parties, civil society organisations, media institutions and development partners to prioritise disability inclusion as a cornerstone of credible, transparent and participatory elections.

As Zambia enters the final stretch before the 2026 General Elections, ZAFOD reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other stakeholders to ensure persons with disabilities can participate fully, effectively and on an equal basis with others throughout the electoral cycle.

The federation says an inclusive electoral process is essential not only for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities but also for strengthening Zambia's democratic institutions and ensuring every citizen has an equal opportunity to contribute to the country's future.

 Leaving No Voter Behind: Strengthening Inclusive Electoral Participation Ahead of Zambia's 2026 Elections

By Alain Kabinda

"Every human being alive today is a potential person with a disability. My answer to the question, 'Do you have a disability?' is: not yet."

Those powerful words from Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) Programme Manager Misheck Katongo Mutamba set the tone for the Electoral Commission of Zambia's (ECZ) Provincial Workshop under the theme:  Strengthening Inclusive Electoral Participation of Persons with Disabilities Ahead of the 2026 General Elections, held in Lusaka.

The speech challenged participants to rethink disability—not as an issue affecting a small section of society, but as a reality that could touch anyone through ageing, illness or injury. It also underscored the workshop's central message: inclusive elections are not a favour extended to persons with disabilities; they are a constitutional obligation and a measure of a healthy democracy.

                                                   (Mr. Misheck Katongo Mutamba)

With Zambia's 2026 General Elections only few weeks away, the conversation has shifted from whether persons with disabilities have the right to vote—that right is already guaranteed by law—to whether they will be able to participate fully, independently and with dignity.

The 2026 elections will be the first conducted under the Constitution Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025 and the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, which introduced a mixed-member proportional representation system and reserved seats in Parliament and local councils for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

The reforms have been hailed as a landmark in Zambia's democratic journey, promising greater political representation for groups that have historically been underrepresented.

Yet participants at the workshop agreed that legislation alone cannot dismantle the barriers many citizens with disabilities continue to encounter.

Physical access to polling stations, accessible voter education materials, independent voting, inclusive technology and public attitudes remain critical challenges that require sustained attention.

Mr. Mutamba reminded participants that many of the gains being celebrated today were won through persistent advocacy.

He recalled how ZAFOD challenged the Electoral Commission in court over inaccessible polling stations, election materials and procedures that prevented many persons with disabilities from participating equally in previous elections. The court ruled that those barriers had to be addressed, compelling institutions to begin implementing more inclusive measures.

While acknowledging the progress made, Mutamba said disability rights advocates are now looking beyond policy commitments.

"We've been knocking on closed doors. We are tired of rhetoric. Commitment is a feeling. Taking action is another," he said.

Drawing comparisons with Zambia's women's rights movement, he argued that disability inclusion is following a similar path—from recognition to respect and, ultimately, to meaningful participation.

One of ZAFOD's key recommendations is the recruitment of more persons with disabilities as Electoral Commission officials, particularly at polling stations.

"We want to see persons with disabilities working as ECZ officials. Then we'll know the commitment is real," he said.

He also urged the Commission to use voter registration data more effectively when distributing accessible election materials so that resources reach those who need them most.

"Don't audit 200 employees and celebrate having one person with a disability," he said. "Disability is everyone's business."

Speaking during the official opening of the workshop ECZ Manager for Voter Education Emma Mwiinga Simfukwe outlined several initiatives the Commission has introduced ahead of the 2026 elections.

                                                          (Ms. Emma Mwiinga Simfukwe)

These include voter education materials in Braille, sign language interpretation, tactile ballot paper jackets that enable blind and visually impaired voters to cast their ballots independently, disability-inclusive voter education strategies and nationwide training for election officials.

"Persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of electoral services," Simfukwe said.

"They are equal citizens with constitutional rights to register, access information independently and in secrecy, contest elections and govern."

She added that ECZ is working closely with development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), to strengthen inclusive electoral processes across the country.

Despite these efforts, she acknowledged that challenges remain. Some polling stations are still physically inaccessible, accessible information does not always reach intended audiences, digital platforms remain difficult for some users to navigate, and stigma continues to discourage participation.

One of the workshop's most memorable moments came when Simfukwe posed a simple question to participants.

"Those of us wearing glasses—can you function normally without them?"

Her point was that disability is often viewed as affecting "other people," yet impairment can result from ageing, illness, accidents or other life events.

"We do not want people to wait until they acquire a disability before responding to our call. Let us build an inclusive Zambia before any one of us becomes a person with a disability," she said.

She reminded participants that inclusion is not an event but an ongoing process.

"The journey of inclusivity is not achieved in a day. We take small steps every day. What is important is that we keep moving forward."

The message resonated throughout the workshop: building an inclusive electoral system is not about accommodating a minority. It is about creating institutions that work for everyone.

For Joel Chiwara, a participant living with albinism, the workshop was more than a policy discussion. It was a deeply personal experience.

                                                                      (Joel Chiwara)

"Growing up, I often felt different because of my albinism. People would make assumptions about what I could or could not do, and sometimes I felt invisible in discussions about national issues," he told the Daily News.

He said the workshop renewed his confidence that democracy has room for everyone.

"What encouraged me most was learning that inclusion is about ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in shaping the country's future. For the first time, I felt that my experiences and opinions were valued alongside everyone else's."

Joel noted that many people are unaware that persons with albinism often live with low vision, making ordinary election materials difficult to read.

"Simple measures such as large-print materials, clear signage and accessible polling stations can make a huge difference," he said.

Meeting participants from different disability groups also strengthened his belief that inclusion benefits society as a whole.

"Listening to the experiences of others reminded me that although our challenges may differ, we all share the same desire—to participate equally and with dignity. Inclusion should not depend on how someone looks; it should be a guarantee for every citizen."

Inspired by the discussions, Joel said he plans to encourage more persons with albinism to register as voters, seek accurate electoral information and actively participate in civic life.

"The 2026 elections should be remembered as elections where no one was left behind. Every Zambian deserves the opportunity to vote, to be heard and to contribute to the future of our nation. That is what true inclusion looks like."

As the Lusaka workshop will be concluded, participants are expected to develop recommendations to strengthen ECZ's preparations for the 2026 General Elections and take the lessons learned back to their communities.

The workshop served as a reminder that inclusive elections are not achieved through legislation alone. They require accessible infrastructure, informed institutions, political will and a society that values every citizen equally.

Perhaps the most enduring lesson came from Mutamba's opening words: "Not yet disabled."

The phrase challenges every Zambian to recognise that disability is not someone else's issue. It is part of the human experience.

Building an electoral system that is accessible today is not simply about protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. It is about safeguarding the future of a democracy that belongs to everyone.

 "Breaking Barriers Through Research: Young Scholar Champions Inclusive Health in Zambia"

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — In a country where conversations around menstrual health, disability inclusion and mental well-being are often overlooked, one young researcher is helping to change the narrative through evidence, compassion and innovation.

Ms. Mutali Gift is emerging as one of Zambia's promising young public health researchers after earning national recognition with the acceptance of two research abstracts for presentation at the forthcoming Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) Scientific Conference.

The achievement places her among a growing generation of young scholars whose work is influencing policy discussions and contributing practical solutions to some of Zambia's most pressing public health and social development challenges.

For Ms. Mutali, the recognition is more than an academic milestone—it is an opportunity to amplify the voices of people who are frequently excluded from health programmes and public discourse.

Her first study, "Improving Menstrual Health Knowledge and Practical Menstrual Hygiene Management Skills Among Young Women with Disabilities in Lusaka, Zambia," examines the barriers faced by young women with disabilities in accessing menstrual health information and services.

The research calls for inclusive menstrual health education, improved access to menstrual hygiene products and disability-friendly services that allow young women to manage menstruation with dignity, confidence and independence.

While menstrual health has gained increasing attention in Zambia, women and girls living with disabilities continue to face unique challenges ranging from inaccessible information to social stigma and inadequate support systems.

By placing disability inclusion at the centre of the conversation, Ms. Mutali's work highlights an often-overlooked aspect of health equity.

Her second abstract, "Promoting Mental Wellbeing, Disability Inclusion, and Civic Participation through an Inclusive Mental Health Dialogue among Young People and Persons with Disabilities in Zambia," explores how inclusive dialogue can strengthen mental wellbeing while encouraging meaningful participation in community and national development.

The research advocates for creating safe and inclusive spaces where young people and persons with disabilities can openly discuss mental health challenges, share experiences and contribute to decision-making processes affecting their lives.

At a time when mental health is receiving growing national attention, the study underscores the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in conversations about wellbeing and social inclusion.

The acceptance of both abstracts by the Zambia Medical Association Scientific Conference reflects not only the quality of the research but also the increasing contribution of young researchers to evidence-based policymaking.

Youth leaders and fellow advocates have described Ms. Mutali's achievement as an inspiration for young people across Zambia.

"This achievement reminds us of the power of collaboration and collective support among young people. When one of us advances, we strengthen the movement for healthier, more inclusive communities," members of the youth community said in congratulating her.

Her research aligns with Zambia's national development priorities and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities and strong partnerships.

Beyond academia, her work has practical implications for government institutions, civil society organisations, disability rights groups and development partners working to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Her achievement is expected to attract recognition and collaboration from institutions including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the GoGetter Movement, ZAPID, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD), and other Disabled Persons' Organisations (DPOs).

As Zambia continues to encourage youth participation in research, innovation and policymaking, Ms. Mutali's journey demonstrates that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development—they are active producers of knowledge capable of driving meaningful social change.

Her success also sends a powerful message to aspiring researchers: impactful research begins with identifying real community challenges and pursuing solutions that improve lives.

When Ms. Mutali takes to the podium at the Zambia Medical Association Scientific Conference, she will do more than present research findings. She will represent a generation of young Zambians committed to ensuring that health systems become more inclusive, more equitable and more responsive to the needs of every citizen.

For many young women, persons with disabilities and advocates of social justice, her voice is a reminder that research has the power to influence policy, transform communities and inspire lasting change.

The Unsung Guardian of Zambia's 2026 Elections

By Staff Writer

As Zambia prepares for its 2026 General Election, much of the public conversation has centred on political campaigns, manifestos, and candidates. Yet behind the scenes, another process is quietly shaping the credibility of the country's democratic exercise: election accreditation.

To many citizens, accreditation may appear to be a routine administrative procedure. However, electoral governance experts argue that it is one of the most important safeguards of electoral integrity. Without it, election observers, journalists, political party representatives, and other stakeholders cannot legally or effectively perform their roles during the election.

Recognising the importance of this process, the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has called on all election stakeholders to prioritise accreditation and avoid waiting until the final days before the deadline.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officially launched the accreditation exercise on 22 July 2026, with applications running until 11 August 2026. Stakeholders in Lusaka are being served at the National Accreditation Centre at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, while district-level accreditation begins on 25 July through District Electoral Offices across the country.

According to CSEIFZ, Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe, Vice Chairperson, Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) and Executive Director, Hope Affirmation Network Zambia (HANZ) has said that its timely accreditation is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

"Accreditation is not merely an administrative requirement; it is a cornerstone of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections," the organisation said in a statement released in Lusaka.

Election observers rely on accreditation to monitor polling stations and report independently on the conduct of elections. Journalists require accreditation to access election activities and provide timely, factual coverage to the public. Political parties and independent candidates depend on accredited representatives to safeguard their interests throughout voting and vote counting.

One of the key reminders issued by CSEIFZ concerns polling agents. Unlike many other stakeholders, polling agents will not be accredited through the ECZ's online platform. Instead, they must undergo physical accreditation at their respective District Electoral Offices after submitting the required documentation. Missing this requirement could leave candidates without representation at polling stations, potentially weakening confidence in the electoral process.

Electoral experts often describe accreditation as the passport to election participation. It determines who can observe proceedings, who can report from restricted areas, and who can witness critical stages such as vote counting and the announcement of results.

The Forum has also encouraged stakeholders not to postpone their applications until the final days of the exercise. Last-minute submissions frequently overwhelm accreditation centres, resulting in long queues, processing delays, and avoidable administrative challenges.

At the same time, CSEIFZ has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia for the transparency it has demonstrated in engaging stakeholders throughout the accreditation process. The organisation has, however, encouraged the Commission to ensure that its online accreditation platform remains fully operational and that district offices are adequately equipped to process applications efficiently.

As election preparations gather momentum, accreditation serves as a reminder that credible elections depend not only on peaceful campaigns and voter turnout but also on strong institutions and effective administrative systems.

For ordinary citizens, accreditation may happen behind closed doors. Yet its impact will be visible on election day, when accredited observers monitor polling stations, journalists inform the nation, and polling agents witness every stage of the voting and counting process.

In the end, democracy is strengthened not only by the ballots cast but also by the systems that protect every vote. Ensuring that those entrusted with safeguarding the electoral process are properly accredited is one of the simplest—and most significant—steps Zambia can take towards delivering a credible and trusted 2026 General Election.

 Government Commissions Zambia Red Cross Resource Centre to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA – Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa commissioned the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) Resource Centre, describing the facility as a strategic investment that will significantly strengthen Zambia's disaster preparedness, emergency response capacity and humanitarian training.

Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony, Mr. Kangwa said the Resource Centre comes at a critical time when climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of disasters, placing greater demands on emergency response systems.

                                                                    ( Mr.Patrick Kangwa)

He said the new facility aligns with the aspirations of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) by enhancing skills development for emergency responders and improving the country's overall disaster preparedness.

"The Resource Centre is a timely investment that will strengthen Zambia's capacity to train emergency responders while enhancing disaster preparedness in line with the objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan," Mr. Kangwa said.

He noted that beyond training, the centre will contribute to resource mobilisation for humanitarian programmes and urged the Zambia Red Cross Society to develop a sustainable financing model by diversifying its income sources instead of depending primarily on donor support.

Mr. Kangwa said building financial sustainability would enable the organisation to continue delivering critical humanitarian services even in times of increasing emergencies.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Red Cross Society National President Martin Ng'onga described the commissioning of the K7.6 million Resource Centre as a landmark achievement in the Society's history.

                                                                     (Mr. Martin Ng'onga)

Mr. Ng'onga said the facility represents the first phase of a broader vision to transform the Zambia Red Cross Society into a resilient and self-sustaining humanitarian organisation through diversified resource mobilisation.

He said the centre has been designed to serve as a centre of excellence for first aid and humanitarian training, providing high-quality instruction for volunteers, emergency responders and other stakeholders involved in disaster management.

Mr. Ng'onga expressed gratitude to the Government of Zambia for its continued collaboration and support, while also acknowledging the contribution of the Netherlands Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), whose partnership made the project possible.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Management Division National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku commended the Zambia Red Cross Society for its longstanding partnership with Government in disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance, emergency response and community resilience.

Mr. Chipakupaku announced that the Disaster Risk Management Division intends to utilise the newly commissioned Resource Centre to train officers who have not yet received First Aid training, ensuring they are equipped with essential life-saving emergency response skills.

He said strengthening the capacity of emergency personnel is critical to improving the country's readiness to respond to disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.

The commissioning of the Resource Centre marks a significant milestone in Zambia's efforts to build stronger institutions for disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and humanitarian response, while reinforcing collaboration between Government and humanitarian partners in safeguarding vulnerable communities.

 Understanding Today, Securing Tomorrow: Zambia Launches 2026 Pensions Awareness Week

By Alain Kabinda,

Retirement may seem like a distant reality for many young people, but government officials are urging Zambians to begin planning for it today rather than waiting until it is too late.

That was the central message during the official launch of the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week, where the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Mr. Zachariah Lubinga called on workers, employers and students alike to take an active interest in understanding pensions as a foundation for a secure and dignified future.

Held under the theme, "Understand Your Pension, Secure Your Retirement," the week-long campaign marks its eighth year of promoting financial literacy and retirement preparedness across Zambia.

Addressing stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary described the campaign as more than an annual event, saying it is an important national initiative aimed at helping citizens make informed financial decisions throughout their working lives.

"A dignified retirement does not happen by chance," he said. "It requires informed decision-making, careful financial planning and consistent preparation throughout one's working life."

He noted that many retirees only begin questioning their pension benefits after leaving employment, often returning to former employers years later seeking unpaid allowances or disputing benefit calculations. Such experiences, he said, highlight the need for workers to understand their pension contributions long before retirement.

He urged employees to regularly monitor both their own contributions and those made by employers, warning that failure to do so can lead to unpleasant surprises when retirement finally arrives.

Mr Lubinga also challenged young people to develop a culture of saving early in life. He commended students participating in the awareness campaign, describing them as future leaders who have an opportunity to build stronger financial habits than previous generations.

Retirement, he stressed, should be viewed not as the end of productivity but as a transition into another phase of contributing to society.

"It is not retirement; it is redeployment," he said, encouraging workers to embrace retirement with confidence rather than fear.

He also highlighted recent reforms aimed at strengthening Zambia's pension system. Government has enacted new legislation to modernise pension administration, improve governance and better protect workers' retirement benefits. Officials said the reforms reinforce government's commitment to providing comprehensive social protection while expanding pension coverage across the country. 

Mr. Lubinga further explained that Zambia's retirement protection framework now rests on four key pillars: mandatory contributory pension schemes, non-contributory social assistance, voluntary occupational and private pension arrangements, and complementary social support such as healthcare services for older persons.

However, legislation alone will not guarantee financial security, he cautioned.

"What is equally important is ensuring that every worker understands how the pension system works and appreciates the value of saving consistently for retirement."

The government is also pursuing broader financial inclusion as part of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. Officials noted that access to financial services has grown significantly in recent years, driven by digital financial innovations and collaboration among government, regulators and financial institutions.

According to the latest financial inclusion survey, overall financial inclusion increased from 69.4 percent in 2020 to 80.1 percent in 2025. The gains have been recorded among both men and women, reflecting progress towards a more inclusive financial system.

The pensions sector has also shown encouraging growth, with pension coverage increasing from 8.2 percent in 2020 to 14.6 percent in 2025. While describing the improvement as encouraging, officials acknowledged that much more remains to be done.

Despite the progress, only about one-quarter of Zambia's workforce is employed in the formal sector and actively participating in pension schemes. The remaining majority, largely employed in the informal economy, remain vulnerable to poverty in old age.

With Zambia's population estimated at 22.5 million and life expectancy continuing to rise, officials said expanding pension coverage has become increasingly urgent.

Longer life expectancy means more citizens will require reliable income after retirement, making pension awareness and financial planning critical components of national development.

Government believes that increasing pension participation will not only improve the welfare of retirees but also strengthen household resilience, reduce dependence on social assistance programmes and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

As the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week gets underway, citizens are being encouraged to understand their pension rights, monitor their contributions and begin saving early.

For many, retirement may appear to be decades away. Yet the message from this year's campaign is simple: the decisions made today will determine whether tomorrow's retirement is marked by uncertainty or by dignity, security and peace of mind.

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The Future Cannot Wait: Zambia Calls for a New Pension Mindset

By Alain Kabinda,

For many workers, retirement feels like a distant destination—a stage of life that will only become important when the final working day arrives.

But pension experts, government officials and industry leaders are warning that waiting until retirement to think about financial security could leave many citizens facing difficult realities when their income stops.

This message took centre stage during the launch of the 8th Annual Pensions Awareness Week, held under the theme “Understand Your Pension, Secure Your Retirement.”

The campaign, organised by the Zambia Association of Pension Funds (ZAPF) with support from the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), brought together government officials, regulators, pension fund managers, employers, students and other stakeholders to promote a culture of early planning and responsible financial decision-making.

The theme, speakers said, is not simply a statement for public awareness—it is a call for every Zambian to take personal responsibility for their future.

The Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Pension Funds Ms. Collina Halwampa said understanding pensions requires more than knowing that deductions are made from salaries. 

It requires workers to understand how contributions are managed, the benefits they are entitled to, the role of investments and the decisions that influence the quality of life they will experience after employment.

“Understanding your pension means knowing how it works, what you contribute, what benefits you receive and how your savings grow,” She said.

She further explained that securing retirement requires early planning, consistent saving and informed decisions throughout one's working life.

Ms Halwampa added, has become an important platform for supporting national efforts to improve financial literacy and encourage long-term savings.

This year's programme includes awareness campaigns, engagement with pupils and students, retirement preparation workshops, a Human Resources Symposium aimed at encouraging employers to establish occupational pension schemes, and digital campaigns focusing on pension rights and responsibilities.

And Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) Mrs. Namakau Ntini said retirement planning should not be viewed as a concern only for older people.

                                  (Mrs. Namakau Ntini)

She challenged young people, including learners, to begin developing financial discipline early.

While retirement age may appear far away to students, she said the habits formed when one receives their first income can determine financial wellbeing decades later.

She also questioned whether many people truly understand pensions or whether they simply know the word “pension.”

“We often think we understand something, but when we reflect deeply, do we understand it enough to make informed decisions?” she asked.

According to her, knowledge only becomes valuable when it influences action.

Mrs Ntini added that the Authority continues to receive complaints from retirees who only begin examining their pension records after leaving employment.

Some question benefit calculations, while others raise concerns about missing contributions or unpaid obligations.

She highlighted the need for workers to actively monitor their pension information throughout their careers.

“An informed consumer is an empowered consumer,” she said, emphasising the importance of financial education in helping citizens protect their retirement future.

Although Zambia's pension sector has recorded growth, officials acknowledged that a significant challenge remains—expanding coverage, especially among workers outside formal employment.

Many people in the informal economy, including farmers, traders and self-employed individuals, have irregular income patterns that make traditional monthly pension contributions difficult.

Mrs. Ntini noted that pension solutions must reflect these realities.

A farmer who earns income after harvesting, for example, may need a different savings arrangement from a salaried employee who receives a monthly income.

This has strengthened calls for innovative products such as micro-pensions, which are expected to make retirement savings more accessible to informal sector workers and other underserved groups.

The proposed pension reforms are also expected to promote greater flexibility, improve governance and strengthen protection for pension members.

Technology is expected to play a major role in this transformation through digital registration platforms, mobile contribution systems and improved data management.

The private occupational pension sector has shown encouraging growth, with pension assets increasing from K20.8 billion in 2024 to K26.9 billion in 2025, representing a 29 percent increase.

Membership in registered occupational pension schemes also increased from 165,000 to 175,000 during the same period.

The growth reflects increased confidence in pension schemes and the important role they play in mobilising long-term savings.

However, officials cautioned that these gains must be matched by broader inclusion to ensure more citizens, particularly those in the informal economy, benefit from retirement savings.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Mr. Zachariah Lubinga said retirement should never arrive as a financial shock.

Mr. Lubinga said, requires preparation, informed choices and consistent planning throughout a person's working life.

He warned that many workers only become interested in their pension arrangements after retirement, when it may be too late to correct issues that could have been addressed earlier.

“A pension is not simply a deduction from one's income,” he said. “It is a financial tool designed to provide security, independence and dignity during retirement.”

Mr.Lubinga added, remains committed to strengthening Zambia's pension framework through reforms aimed at improving administration, expanding coverage and protecting workers' retirement benefits.

He also highlighted Zambia's changing demographics as a reason why pension planning has become increasingly important.

With a growing population and increasing life expectancy, more citizens will spend longer periods in retirement and require reliable financial support.

Mr. Lubinga also reminded workers that retirement is unavoidable and should not be feared.

While many people associate retirement with the end of productivity, he described it as a transition into another phase of contribution to society.

“Retirement is not the end,” he said. “It is a redeployment—a chance to continue serving in different ways.”

As Zambia marks the 2026 Pensions Awareness Week, the message from stakeholders is clear: retirement security is built long before the last day at work.

The choices people make today—saving early, understanding their benefits, monitoring contributions and making informed financial decisions—will determine the quality of life they experience tomorrow.

For Zambia's pension future to become stronger, awareness must become action, and planning must begin long before retirement arrives.

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