Zambia Disburses K2b in ZNPF Benefits as Pension Reforms Accelerate
Over 63,000 Zambians have accessed more than K2 billion in Zambia National Provident Fund (ZNPF) benefits, reflecting the impact of progressive pension reforms introduced by the New Dawn Government.
Speaking during the third NAPSA Stakeholders’ Forum, held under the theme “Celebrating a Quarter Century of Growth, Innovation, and Social Security”, Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba said the disbursement demonstrates President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to building an inclusive and responsive pension system.
“Through the payment of ZNPF benefits, Government has delivered long-awaited relief to ordinary Zambians,” Ms Tambatamba said. “This reform places money where it matters most—directly in the hands of those who had long awaited what was due to them.”
The Minister noted that the initiative is part of a broader agenda to tackle key challenges in the social security sector, including delayed payments and benefit adequacy. Other interventions include a reduction in penalty rates from 20% to 10% to ease compliance for employers, as well as pre-retirement partial withdrawals, which have already benefitted nearly 498,000 members with payouts exceeding K10.3 billion.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, such as low coverage and fragmented systems, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a stronger and more inclusive pension system.
NAPSA, celebrating 25 years in 2025, was commended for driving innovation and investing in critical sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, and value addition, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
NAPSA Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa highlighted the Authority’s prudent investments, which have strengthened members’ funds and supported national development in sectors such as infrastructure, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and housing. He noted that NAPSA currently covers over 1.1 million members and 70,000 employers, having paid out billions in benefits to protect members and their families.
Chairperson of the NAPSA Board of Trustees, Mr Shipango Muteto, revealed that the Fund has grown from K87 billion in 2023 to K101 billion as of June 2025, with a target to reach $10 billion by 2031 through strategic investments in high-impact sectors to generate wealth and create jobs.
Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai urged employers to register their workers, particularly in the domestic sector, for social security coverage.
The Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress, discuss upcoming reforms, and explore new savings products, including the Diaspora Scheme, the Supplementary Scheme, and the Zambia Ku Chalo Wealth Fund.
Stakeholders praised the Government, the Ministry, and the Board of Trustees for creating an enabling environment that strengthens pension reforms and enhances social protection for Zambians.
As NAPSA looks ahead to the next 25 years, the Authority pledged to continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable social security system.
