AS countries across the globe strengthen social safety nets, Zimbabwe, together with 14 of her fellow Sadc countries, have exhibited a continued reluctance to ratify the ILO Convention 102 on Social Security.
This is despite the glaring social protection gaps existing in the country, where pensions have been eroded, leaving pensioners wallowing in abject poverty.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is so far the only country in the region that has ratified the Convention, albeit partially.
All other Sadc member States have not ratified it.
The convention is considered the benchmark for social security systems globally, yet adoption in southern Africa has lagged due to capacity, legal alignment and economic constraints.
Other countries such as Angola, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania have been considering or moving toward ratification, but most have not yet formally ratified.
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Meanwhile, the Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to fast-track critical labour and social protection reforms, assuring the International Labour Organization (ILO) that it remains on course to meeting key legislative milestones before Parliament dissolves in May.
The neighbouring country’s Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha said they are prioritising the ratification of ILO Convention 102 and the passage of the Work-Based Learning Bill—two measures seen as central to modernising Zambia’s labour and social protection framework.
The assurance was made during high-level engagements in Lusaka with ILO country office director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, where discussions focused on strengthening social security systems and enhancing skills development for young people.
“These reforms are necessary to ensure that more citizens benefit from an inclusive and modern social security system,” Kabesha said.
“The Work Based Learning Bill is also critical for equipping young people with practical skills that match today’s labour market needs.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that both the ratification of Convention 102 and the passage of the Bill are completed before the dissolution of Parliament.”
He stressed that the reforms form part of Lusaka’s broader agenda to promote decent work, inclusive growth, and a future ready workforce.
Kabesha emphasised that the reforms are part of a broader national agenda aimed at promoting decent work, inclusive economic growth and a future-ready workforce, adding that completing the legislative processes before Parliament’s dissolution is seen as critical to avoiding delays and ensuring continuity in policy implementation.
The ILO welcomed Zambia’s renewed commitment, describing the twin reforms as major milestones, with Chibebe noting that successful implementation would not only reduce social vulnerability, but also improve employability among young people, a key concern in Zambia’s labour market.
Chibebe said the reforms would address long standing gaps in social protection and skills development.
“Ratifying Convention 102 and enacting the Work Based Learning Bill will be important milestones for Zambia.
“These measures will expand social security coverage and improve employability for young people.
“The ILO remains fully committed to supporting the Government throughout this process.”
He noted that strengthening the legal framework would help Zambia meet core international labour standards, reduce social vulnerability and improve overall labour market outcomes.
Zambian officials say ratifying Convention 102 will significantly expand social security coverage and align that country’s systems with international labour standards.
The convention sets minimum benchmarks for benefits such as pensions, unemployment protection and healthcare, which are currently limited in coverage across many developing economies.
At the same time, the Work-Based Learning Bill is expected to reform the country’s skills development architecture by linking education and training more closely with industry demands.
The proposed law seeks to replace outdated apprenticeship frameworks and introduce a modern system that equips young people with practical, market-relevant skills.
The developments underscore growing collaboration between Zambia and the ILO on labour governance, social protection, and youth empowerment.
Both sides have expressed confidence that the country will meet its targets before May, marking a significant step toward building a more resilient and inclusive labour system.