Zambia has taken an important step toward strengthening its social protection system with the launch of a comprehensive assessment report comparing national laws and practices to the standards outlined in the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). The event, held in Lusaka on 12 November 2025, marks a milestone in the country’s progress toward potentially ratifying this key international social security instrument. The International Labour Organization prepared the report with financial support from the Government of Ireland and presented it to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security along with representatives from social partners, international agencies and civil society.
The launch brought together high-level stakeholders, including the Minister of Labour and Social Security, senior government officials, the Embassy of Ireland, and the ILO’s leadership in the region. Their presence underscored Zambia’s commitment to a rights-based approach to social protection that aligns with national development goals and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals. Authorities emphasized that the report reflects the country’s determination to strengthen welfare systems and enhance economic resilience for all citizens.
The assessment was developed through an inclusive, multi-institutional process involving ministries, social security institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and civil society groups. Supported by the ILO–Irish Aid Partnership Programme on accelerating universal social protection, the report reviews the extent to which Zambia’s existing framework meets minimum international standards. Ireland reaffirmed its support for the global campaign to expand ratification of the Convention and expressed anticipation for Zambia potentially joining the countries that have already adopted it.
Convention No. 102 outlines minimum standards across nine branches of social security, and Zambia’s readiness to ratify four of these—medical care, old age, employment injury, and invalidity benefits—was highlighted as a major achievement. According to the ILO, Zambia’s current legislation and practices already align with the requirements of these branches, indicating strong preparedness for formal ratification.
Overall, the launch of the assessment report marks a collective commitment by government, social partners and international collaborators to advance a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient social security system in Zambia.
