By CHILUBA CHABI
In a significant move to address the needs of Zambia’s predominantly informal sector workforce, three prominent social security institutions, namely the National Pension Scheme (Napsa), the National Health Insurance Management Authority (Nhima), and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), have commenced a comprehensive six-day sensitization and registration campaign in Chingola District.
This initiative is part of the government’s resolve to address the fact that approximately 70% of Zambia’s population is engaged in the informal sector. To tackle this challenge, the government has launched the “Expanded Coverage to the Informal Sector” program, which primarily targets marketeers, bus and taxi drivers, farmers, artists, and other informal workers.
The primary objective of this program is to extend social security coverage to this vast informal sector population while emphasizing the significance of Napsa, Nhima, and Worker’s Compensation Fund memberships.
During a joint sensitization meeting in Chingola, the Chingola District Commissioner, represented by District Administrative Officer Stephen Monze, encouraged the local population to seize the opportunity and register for these vital schemes.
Mr Monze underscored the government’s commitment to providing affordable and high-quality healthcare services to its citizens.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding social protection to all forms of employment, both formal and informal, to prevent poverty among the elderly, ensuring access to healthcare, and supporting individuals incapacitated by work-related injuries or diseases.
“It is the government’s desire for all citizens, whether in formal or informal sectors, to have some form of social security to prevent old-age poverty when accessing healthcare or facing limitations in gainful employment due to work-related issues,” he stated.
He urged Chingola and Chililabombwe residents and all members of the informal sector in the province to register with Napsa, Nhima, and WCFCB, noting that this initiative would significantly improve their lives.
Mr. Monze called on Napsa, Nhima, and WCFCB to continue spreading awareness about social security, ultimately protecting thousands of people from various hardships.
Meanwhile, Napsa’s Regional Manager, Namiluko Mishoke, revealed the scheme’s goal of registering 250,000 informal sector members by 2026. These individuals would not only benefit from pensions but also from additional perks such as maternity and funeral grants.
Christopher Chabala, Nhima’s Membership and Contributions Manager, highlighted their commitment to breaking down barriers to healthcare access for all Zambians, regardless of age or occupation.
Jimmie Shawandi, representing the Workers’ Compensation Control Board, emphasized their focus on compensating workers injured or affected by diseases during their duties, with a significant portion of the workforce operating in the informal sector.
Mary Bwalya, Head of the Small and Medium Enterprises department in the district, encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace this opportunity and register for their own benefits.
In summary, this collaborative effort by Napsa, Nhima, and WCFCB seeks to expand social security coverage to the informal sector in Chingola District as part of the “Expanded Coverage to the Informal Sector” program. This program targets marketeers, bus and taxi drivers, farmers, artists, and other informal workers, aiming to promote access to healthcare and financial protection for all workers, regardless of their employment status, in response to the fact that 70% of Zambia’s population is engaged in the informal sector.
The three Institutions have since commenced Roadshows and Mobile Registration at selected Markets with the first one being Chiwempala Market which registered a very impressive turn out.
