Stakeholders Applaud President Hichilema for Landmark Education and Pension Laws

President Hakainde Hichilema has been widely praised for assenting to five landmark bills, a move hailed as transformative for education and social security in Zambia. The legislation includes the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026, National Pension Scheme Bill 2026, Public Service Pensions Bill 2026, Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026, and the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill 2026.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions deputy secretary general Catherine Kantumoya described the reforms as a reflection of the President’s visionary leadership, noting that pension changes respond to workers’ long-standing concerns and guarantee social protection. She urged government to sensitise the public on the benefits of the new laws.

Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia deputy general secretary Christopher Simukonda called the Free Education Bill a historic milestone, pledging union support for its implementation. Seventh-day Adventist Church Southern Zambia Union Conference president Vanny Munyumbwe also commended the government for passing laws that address citizens’ needs.

University of Zambia Students Union president Mwanto Kabaso applauded the free education law, saying it empowers youths and silences critics who doubted its feasibility. Accompanied by chanting students, he praised Hichilema’s leadership, while UNZASU vice-president Jemimah Mwaba highlighted the policy’s role in preventing early marriages.

National Pension Scheme Authority acting director general Asa Msusa said the pension reforms mark a turning point, addressing disparities among public service workers and offering flexible retirement options for Zambians abroad.

In a symbolic gesture, Kabulonga Girls Secondary School pupil Emma Chanda thanked the President for removing barriers to education, declaring, “Thank you for investing in us.”

The reforms, stakeholders agreed, represent a significant stride in Zambia’s history, strengthening both education and social protection under the New Dawn administration.