Zambia Backs ILO Convention No. 102 Ratification

The Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) has recommended the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 102 on Social Security (Minimum Standards), marking a significant step in Zambia's efforts to modernise its pension and social protection systems and expand coverage to workers in the informal economy.

Meeting in Lusaka for its first session of 2026, the Council also reviewed Zambia's pension reform package and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise the National Strategy on Extension of Social Security Coverage to the Informal Economy.

The MoU brings together the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation Cooperative Society Limited (ZAMAST), and the Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA).

Opening the session, Mrs. Brenda Tambatamba, Minister of Labour and Social Security, emphasised the importance of aligning national reforms with global standards.

"Modernising our pension laws and ratifying ILO Convention 102 is not paperwork-it is a pledge of dignity, security and resilience for every worker. Let's move from debate to decision," she said.

Convention No. 102 is widely recognised as the foundation of international social security standards and establishes minimum protections across nine branches, including medical care, old‑age benefits, maternity protection, and unemployment benefits.

Earlier, ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Mr. Wellington Chibebe, reaffirmed ILO's support for Zambia's social security reform agenda.

"Aligning reforms with C.102 is a commitment to dignity, security and resilience for every worker. The ILO stands ready to support implementation-before and after ratification."

Mrs. Myra Ngoma‑Sakala, President of the Zambia Federation of Employers, noted: "ZFE welcomes pension reforms and ratifying ILO Convention 102. Predictable pensions protect workers and build business confidence."

Mr. Blake Mulala, President of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, added: "Workers can't wait. Ratify ILO Convention 102 and pass pension reforms that deliver adequate, predictable benefits for all-including the informal majority."