GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR BROADER STAKEHOLDER INPUT IN ONGOING PENSION REFORM CONSULTATIONS.

The Government has called for broader stakeholder participation in the pension reforms consultative meetings to ensure that the affected masses have an opportunity to provide input in the reform process.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, says the ongoing stakeholder consultative meetings have provided an opportunity for all people involved to refine the Bills that were drafted following the nationwide stakeholder engagement meetings undertaken earlier this year.

Speaking during the Copperbelt Province stakeholders’ consultative meeting held on 8th December 2025 at Protea Hotel in Ndola, Mr. Luhanga said the drafted Bills include the National Pension Scheme Bill 2025, the Public Service Pensions Fund Bill 2025, and the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Bill 2025.

Mr. Luhanga explained that among the key issues the Bills seek to address are low coverage, inadequate benefits, and disparities across pension schemes.

He added that the Steering Committee on Pension Reforms will ensure that the principles of affordability and sustainability are applied across all pension schemes to promote harmonization, fairness, and equity in the conditions of service for all public sector employees.

The Permanent Secretary cautioned stakeholders against shunning the consultations and expressed hope that they would discuss all areas of concern emphasizing that the three drafted Bills are intended to address the various challenges and gaps in pension funds.

He noted that, given the importance of the reforms to pensioners and the nation at large, it has been deemed necessary to undertake further stakeholder engagements before the Bills are submitted to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Mwanza, expressed hope that the three drafted Pension Reform Bills will ease anxiety among public sector employees. He called on participants to actively engage in the consultative meetings and represent the views of the masses who rely on them.

Also in attendance were Public Service Pensions Fund Chief Executive Officer Mr. Francis Pindani Nyirenda, NAPSA Director General Mr.  Muyangwa Muyangwa and Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Acting Managing Director Mr. Milner Mooba.

The Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF), the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) are holding joint consultative meetings with various stakeholders across the country on the proposed pension reforms.

The consultations aim to gather submissions on the 2025 draft Bills for NAPSA, PSPF, and LASF, which are intended to strengthen the pension system and ensure a dignified retirement for public service employees.