Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Oliver Kalabo has commended NAPSA for its contribution to national development, highlighting the role of its investments in hotels and infrastructure projects such as roads and energy in supporting economic growth, while underscoring the importance of pension security in safeguarding workers’ future.

Dr Kalabo was speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) Convention in Livingstone, which he officiated on behalf of the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Patrick Kangwa.

In his remarks, Dr Kalabo challenged human resource practitioners to contribute to the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda by building a skilled, productive, motivated and accountable workforce. He emphasised that national development depends not only on investment in infrastructure, financial resources and policies, but also on developing people.

Dr Kalabo highlighted the importance of responsible pension administration in protecting employees’ retirement security, urging employers to maintain accurate employment records, remit pension contributions on time and comply with statutory requirements. These measures, he noted, were essential to protecting workers’ benefits and reducing legal and financial risks for employers.

Meanwhile, NAPSA Chief Executive Officer, Muyangwa Muyangwa called on HR professionals to strengthen pension compliance and take a more proactive role in ensuring employees understand their pension rights, benefits and obligations.

Presenting on the implications of the National Pension Scheme Act No. 72 of 2026 for HR professionals, Mr Muyangwa emphasised that pension administration should be treated as more than just a statutory obligation. He urged HR practitioners to recognise it as a key part of employee welfare, financial security and responsible workforce management.

He further highlighted the importance of ensuring employees are registered with NAPSA, their employment records are accurate and up to date and their pension contributions are correctly calculated and remitted in time. Timely contributions and accurate records are essential to ensuring members’ entitlements are properly maintained and benefits can be accessed promptly. 

Mr Muyangwa also highlighted the various changes to the benefits system aimed at enhancing benefits adequacy and flexibility. 

Looking ahead, Mr Muyangwa outlined NAPSA’s Vision 2031 of growing the fund to UD10bn and giving members more benefits options and opportunities to grow their wealth. 

The convention is being held under the theme “Empowering People, Driving Change: The Strategic Role of HR in Shaping the Future of Work”.