Tambatamba Calls for Stronger Public-Private Partnerships to Boost Social Security Fund Impact
Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, has emphasized the importance of robust institutions, transparent governance, and effective public-private partnerships (PPPs) in managing Social Security Infrastructure Development Funds to drive inclusive economic growth and social protection in Africa.
Speaking through her representative, Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga, at the 14th Africa Social Protection Policy Makers’ Conference held in Arusha, Tanzania, Minister Tambatamba said PPPs are critical to maximizing the developmental impact of social security funds.
The high-level meeting, organized by the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), was themed: “Social Security Funds: A Catalyst for Infrastructure Development and Inclusive Socio-Economic Growth in Africa.”
“Public-Private Partnerships can build the capacity of African governments to deliver on strategic development goals, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Tambatamba in her official statement.
Permanent Secretary Luhanga reaffirmed Zambia’s progress in leveraging social security investments for development, citing examples from institutions such as the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB). These institutions have spearheaded infrastructure projects worth millions of U.S. dollars, creating over 10,000 jobs nationwide.
Among the key projects implemented under PPPs include the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway, Maamba Power Plant expansion, Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Plant, Ndola-Solwezi Road, and several toll plazas under NAPSA. WCFCB’s investments include the Chingola-Kasumbalesa Road and the Wonderful Group Fertilizer Plant.
Tambatamba encouraged ASSA member states to scale up PPP-led infrastructure investments and align pension fund investments with broader national and continental development priorities.
She also called for enhanced collaboration between governments, social security institutions, and the private sector to help actualize Africa’s long-term development blueprint.
