ZAMBIA – The Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) and Zambia's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a comprehensive review of two landmark pieces of labour legislation: the Industrial and Labour Relations Act and the Employment Code Act. CIJ has now completed two new Bills, prepared through full repeal and replacement rather than piecemeal amendment, and submitted them to the Ministry. Stakeholder consultation is the next step.

From Evidence to Modern Legislation

The reform process began not with drafting, but with analysis. Labour law expert Mr Chanda Chungu working with a carefully selected Technical Committee, developed a Technical Report establishing the Government's policy position, mapping gaps in existing legislation, benchmarking Zambia's framework against international standards, and providing a clear, evidence-based foundation for the work ahead. With that foundation in place, CIJ engaged legislative drafter Mr Andrew Nkunika to produce two new Bills.

Rather than pursue the quicker but less effective path of amendments, CIJ and the MLSS chose the repeal and replacement model, consolidating all proposed changes into single, coherent pieces of legislation that are clear, internally consistent, and built for the long term. A standout feature of the reformed Industrial and Labour Relations Act is a significant strengthening of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, giving workers faster access to justice, providing employers a more efficient path to resolution, and reducing pressure on Zambia's court system.

Laws That Drive Growth and Protect Rights

Modern, well-enforced labour laws are a proven driver of economic development, attracting foreign investment, encouraging formal employment, and building the social contract between government, business, and workers. For workers, the new Employment Code delivers clarity and enforceable rights. For employers, it provides the legal certainty needed to invest with confidence. For Zambia, it signals to the world that the rules are clear, rights are protected, and work is governed with integrity.

With the Bills now before the Ministry, stakeholder consultation, drawing in employees, employers, trade unions, business associations, and civil society, will shape the final legislation.

The world of work is changing. Zambia's laws must change with it, and with this reform, they will.