Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-track major labour and social protection reforms, assuring the International Labour Organization (ILO) that the country remains on track to ratify ILO Convention 102 on Minimum Standards of Social Security and pass the Work Based Learning Bill before Parliament dissolves in May. The commitment was made during a meeting in Lusaka with ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, where discussions focused on strengthening social protection systems and expanding practical skills development for young people.
The government sees both legislative measures as central to modernizing Zambia’s social protection framework and aligning national systems with international labour standards. Ratifying Convention 102 is expected to strengthen the country’s social security framework and extend protection to more citizens, while the Work Based Learning Bill is intended to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills that better match current labour market demands.
Kabesha emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader national agenda to promote decent work, inclusive growth, and a future-ready workforce. By advancing both measures before the dissolution of Parliament, the government aims to ensure that the legislative process is completed on schedule and that Zambia can move forward with stronger protections and improved opportunities for its workforce.
The ILO welcomed the renewed commitment, describing both reforms as important milestones for the country. According to Wellington Chibebe, ratifying Convention 102 and enacting the Work Based Learning Bill will help expand social security coverage, reduce social vulnerability, and improve employability for young people. He also noted that strengthening the legal framework will support Zambia in meeting core international labour standards and improving overall labour market outcomes.
The meeting also underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Zambian government and the ILO in areas such as labour governance, decent work promotion, and youth empowerment. Both sides expressed confidence that the legislative processes will be completed on time, marking a significant step toward building a more resilient, protected, and skilled workforce in Zambia.
