The National Pension Scheme Act, 2026

THE NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME ACT, 2026
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Sections
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title and commencement
2. Interpretation
PART II
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME AUTHORITY
3. Non-application of Act
4. Continuation of National Pension Scheme Authority
5. Functions of Authority
6. Board of Authority
7. Functions of Board
8. Director-General
9. Secretary and other staff
PART III
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME
10. Continuation of National Pension Scheme
11. Sub-schemes
12. Appointment of actuary
13. Actuarial valuation of Scheme and sub-schemes
14. Action on actuarial report
15. Membership of Scheme
16. Registration of member
17. Cessation of membership
18. Registration of contributing employer
19. Cancellation of registration
20. Temporary suspension of employer account
21. Cancellation or suspension not to relieve contributing employer
of liability
22. Notification of termination of employment, resignation and
placement on unpaid leave or secondment
23. Registration of exempted employer
[No. 72 of 2026 771National Pension Scheme
jjjj
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101 Lusaka, Price K80.00 each.

71National Pension Scheme
jjjj
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101 Lusaka, Price K80.00 each.

PART IV
CONTRIBUTIONS
24. Payment of contributions
25. Submission of monthly returns
26. Treating unpaid contributions as paid
27. Refund of contributions paid in error
28. Attachment of Debt
PART V
BENEFITS
29. Retirement and condition for award of retirement pension
30. Amount of retirement pension
31. Duration of retirement pension
32. Retirement lump sum payment
33. Early retirement pension
34. Pre-retirement lumpsum benefit
35. Lump sum payment three months prior to retirement
36. Retirement benefit for member who accesses pre-retirement
lump sum benefit or lump sum payment
37. Ad hoc medical board
38. Invalidity benefit
39. Invalidity pension
40. Duration of invalidity pension
41. Re-examination
42. Invalidity lump sum benefit
43. Survivor’s pension
44. Duration of survivor’s pension
45. Survivor’s lump sum
46. Non-application of estate laws
47. Funeral grants
48. Adjustment of pension
49. Submission of claim for benefit
50. Advance payment for member in receipt of monthly retirement
or invalidity pension
51. Repayment of benefit improperly received
52. Invalidity of assignment or charge of benefits
53. Protection against attachment
772 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme

t improperly received
52. Invalidity of assignment or charge of benefits
53. Protection against attachment
772 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme

PART VI
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME FUND
54. Establishment of National Pension Scheme Fund
55. Management of Fund
56. Scheme and sub-schemes bank account
57. Accounts and audit of Fund
58. Annual report
PART VII
INSPECTORATE
59. Inspectors
60. Powers of inspectors
PART VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
61. Joint venture, partnership and co-investment
62. Offence by principal officers of body corporate or
unincorporate body
63. Prohibition of publication or disclosure of information to
unauthorised persons
64. General offences
65. General penalty
66. Regulations
67. Repeal of Cap. 256, and savings and transitional provisions
SCHEDULES
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00009999>

enalty
66. Regulations
67. Repeal of Cap. 256, and savings and transitional provisions
SCHEDULES
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An Act to continue the existence of the National Pension
Scheme Authority and re-define its functions; re-constitute
the Board of the National Pension Scheme Authority and
re-define its functions; continue the existence of the
membership, contributions and benefits structure under
the National Pension Scheme and provide for its
administration and management; provide for the
establishment of sub-schemes; establish the National
Pension Scheme Fund and provide for its administration
and management; provide for the registration of
employers and members; provide for the payment of
pension contributions; provide for the payment of benefits;
repeal and replace the National Pension Scheme Act,
1996; and provide for matters connected with, or incidental
to, the foregoing. [12th June, 2026
ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia. PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the National Pension Scheme
Act, 2026, and shall come into operation on the date appointed by
the Minister, by statutory instrument. 2.

ay be cited as the National Pension Scheme
Act, 2026, and shall come into operation on the date appointed by
the Minister, by statutory instrument. 2.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“accrued benefit” means a benefit to which a member has a
legally enforceable right, whether or not such a benefit is
immediately payable or payable at a future date;
[No. 72 of 2026 775National Pension Scheme
Enactment
Short title
and
commence-
ment
Interpretation
GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
ACT
No. 72 of 2026
Date of Assent: 4th June, 2026
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101 Lusaka, Price K4.00 each.

Date of Assent: 4th June, 2026
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101 Lusaka, Price K4.00 each.

“ad hoc medical board” means an ad hoc medical board
established under section 37;
“administrator” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Intestate Succession Act;
“associate” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti-
Corruption Act;
“Authority” means the National Pension Scheme Authority
continued under section 4;
“average monthly earnings” means the amount determined
under section 30;
“Bank of Zambia” means the Bank of Zambia established under
the Constitution;
“benefit” means a retirement pension, retirement lump sum,
pre-retirement lump sum benefit, early retirement pension,
lump sum payment, invalidity pension, invalidity lump sum
benefit, survivor’s pension, survivor’s lump sum and funeral
grant;
“Board” means the Board of the Authority constituted under
section 6;
“Chairperson” means a person appointed as Chairperson of
the Board under section 6;
“contributing employer” means an employer registered as a
contributing employer under section 18 or 23 and includes—
(a) a person, association, company, partnership,
institution or firm with an oral or written contract of
service with an employee;
(b) the Government, local authority, commission, agency,
parastatal or statutory corporation; and
(c) any other person that the Minister may, by statutory
instrument determine.

authority, commission, agency,
parastatal or statutory corporation; and
(c) any other person that the Minister may, by statutory
instrument determine.

“Defence Force” means the Defence Force established under
the Constitution;
“Director-General” means a person appointed as the Director-
General under section 8;
“earnings” includes a wage, salary, allowance, bonus,
commission, incentive, and non-cash benefits that have a
monetary value;
“eligible child” means a—
(a) biological child of a member; or
(b) child adopted by a member in accordance with the
Children’s Code Act, 2022, or any other written law;
776 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Cap. 59
Cap. 1
Cap. 91
Cap. 1
Act No. 12
of 2022

the
Children’s Code Act, 2022, or any other written law;
776 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Cap. 59
Cap. 1
Cap. 91
Cap. 1
Act No. 12
of 2022

“emoluments” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Constitution;
“Emoluments Commission” means the Emoluments
Commission established under the Constitution;
“employee” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Employment Code Act;
“employer” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Employment Code Act;
“estate” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Intestate
Succession Act;
“executor” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Wills
and Administration of Testate Estates Act;
“Fund” means the National Pensions Scheme Fund established
under section 54;
“higher education institution” has the meaning assigned to
the words in the Higher Education Act;
“inspector” means a person appointed as an inspector under
section 59;
“international organisation” means an organisation declared
under section 4 of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges
Act;
“legally disqualified” means the absence of legal capacity as
provided under section 4 of the Mental Health Act;
“local authority” has the meaning assigned to the words in
the Constitution;
“member” means a person registered as a member under
section 16;
“national average earnings” means the amount determined
under section 48;
“national security services” means the national security
services established under the Constitution;
“parental responsibility” has the meaning assigned to the words
in the Children’s Code Act, 2022;
“pensionable age” means the age of sixty years;
“pensionable employment” means employment in respect of
which contributions are payable under this Act;
“Pensions and Insurance Authority” means the Pensions and
Insurance Authority established under the Pension Scheme
Regulation Act;
[No.

nder this Act;
“Pensions and Insurance Authority” means the Pensions and
Insurance Authority established under the Pension Scheme
Regulation Act;
[No.

72 of 2026 777National Pension Scheme
Cap. 20
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Cap. 268
Cap. 268
Cap. 59
Cap. 60
Cap. 136
Cap. 305
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Act No. 12 of
2022
Cap. 255

of 2026 777National Pension Scheme
Cap. 20
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Cap. 268
Cap. 268
Cap. 59
Cap. 60
Cap. 136
Cap. 305
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Act No. 12 of
2022
Cap. 255

“public officer” has the meaning assigned to the words in the
Constitution;
“Public Service Pension Scheme” has the meaning assigned
to the words under the Public Service Pensions Act, 2026;
“relative” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti-
Corruption Act;
“repealed Act” means the National Pension Scheme Act;
“residual contributions” means the contributions on a member’s
account after a member has accessed the pre-retirement
lump sum benefit under section 34;
“school education” has the meaning assigned to the words in
the Education Act;
“Secretary” means a person appointed as Secretary under
section 9;
“Scheme” means the National Pension Scheme continued
under section 10;
“sub-scheme” means a sub-scheme established in accordance
with section 11;
“Superannuation Scheme” has the meaning assigned to the
words in the Local Authorities Superannuation Act, 2026;
“technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training
institution” means an institution that provides technical
education, vocational and entrepreneurship training,
whether by distance learning or otherwise;
“Vice-Chairperson” means a person elected as Vice-
Chairperson of the Board under section 6;
“Zambia Statistics Agency” means the Zambia Statistics
Agency established under the Statistics Act; and
“Zambia Qualifications Authority” means the Zambia
Qualifications Authority established under the Zambia
Qualifications Authority Act, 2024.

Act; and
“Zambia Qualifications Authority” means the Zambia
Qualifications Authority established under the Zambia
Qualifications Authority Act, 2024.

3. This Act shall not apply to—
(a) an employee whose monthly earning is less than the
amount prescribed by the Minister;
(b) an employee of an international organisation;
(c) an employee of a foreign government who is accorded
diplomatic or equivalent status;
(d) a member of the Defence Force;
(e) a member of the national security services;
778 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Cap.1
Act No. 73
of 2026
Cap. 91
Cap. 256
Cap.134
Act No. 74
of 2026
Act No. 8 of
2024
Non-
application
of Act
Cap. 127

2026] National Pension Scheme
Cap.1
Act No. 73
of 2026
Cap. 91
Cap. 256
Cap.134
Act No. 74
of 2026
Act No. 8 of
2024
Non-
application
of Act
Cap. 127

(f)a public officer appointed before the repealed Act came
into force and who is a member of the Public Service
Pension Scheme or the Superannuation Scheme; and
(g) any other person as prescribed. PART II
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME AUTHORITY
4. (1) The National Pension Scheme Authority established
under the repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act
as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal,
capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name and with
power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to do all acts and things
that a body corporate may, by law, do or perform. (2) The First Schedule applies to the Authority. 5. The functions of the Authority are to—
(a) administer and manage the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(b) register employers;
(c) register members to the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(d) receive contributions under the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(e) pay benefits provided under this Act; and
(f) advise the Minister on matters relating to this Act. 6.

tributions under the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(e) pay benefits provided under this Act; and
(f) advise the Minister on matters relating to this Act. 6.

(1) There is constituted the Board of the Authority which
consists of the following part-time members appointed by the
Minister:
(a) the Chairperson, who shall be a person from the private
sector;
(b) a representative each of the ministries responsible for—
(i) finance; and
(ii) social security;
(c) a representative of the Attorney-General;
(d) a representative of the Bank of Zambia;
(e) one representative of the most representative federation
of employers’ organisations;
(f)one representative of the most representative association
of employees;
(g) a person from the private sector with knowledge and
experience in investments; and
(h) a person from the private sector with knowledge and
experience in actuarial science. [No. 72 of 2026 779National Pension Scheme
Continuation
of National
Pension
Scheme
Authority
Functions
of
Authority
Board of
Authority

uarial science. [No. 72 of 2026 779National Pension Scheme
Continuation
of National
Pension
Scheme
Authority
Functions
of
Authority
Board of
Authority

(2) The ministries, institutions and organisations referred to
under subsection (1) (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) shall nominate their
representative for appointment by the Minister. (3) The members of the Board shall elect the Vice-Chairperson
from among themselves. (4) A person qualifies for appointment as a member of the
Board if that person—
(a) is of proven integrity;
(b) holds a degree or an equivalent qualification recognised
in accordance with the Zambia Qualifications Authority
Act, 2024;
(c) has knowledge and experience of at least five years in—
(i) social security administration;
(ii) insurance;
(iii) banking;
(iv) accounting and finance;
(v) auditing;
(vi) risk management;
(vii) economics;
(viii) law;
(ix) investments;
(x) actuarial science;
(xi) data science; or
(xii) any other discipline relevant to social security
administration.

ics;
(viii) law;
(ix) investments;
(x) actuarial science;
(xi) data science; or
(xii) any other discipline relevant to social security
administration.

(5) A person shall not be nominated or appointed as a member
of the Board if that person—
(a) is not a citizen;
(b) is an undischarged bankrupt;
(c) is legally disqualified from performing the functions of a
member;
(d) has been convicted of an offence under this Act or any
other written law and is sentenced to imprisonment for
a term exceeding six months without an option of a fine;
or
(e) is an employee of the Authority. (6) The First Schedule applies to the Board. 780 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No.8 of
2024

ine;
or
(e) is an employee of the Authority. (6) The First Schedule applies to the Board. 780 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No.8 of
2024

7. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall
provide strategic direction to the Authority. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of
the Board are to—
(a) promote the effective corporate governance of the
Authority;
(b) approve the policies, programmes and strategies of the
Authority;
(c) approve the annual budget estimates and financial
statements of the Authority;
(d) approve the annual work plans, action plans and activity
reports of the Authority;
(e) monitor and evaluate the performance of the Authority
against a budget and plans;
(f)provide oversight on the administration and management
of the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(g) cause the undertaking of an actuarial valuation of the
Scheme and sub-schemes in accordance with this Act;
and
(h) monitor the implementation of a recommendation under
an actuarial report. (3) The Board may, by direction, in writing, and on conditions
that the Board considers necessary, delegate to the Director-General
any of the Board’s functions under this Act. (4) A delegation made under subsection (3) shall not prevent
the Board from performing the functions so delegated. 8.

oard’s functions under this Act. (4) A delegation made under subsection (3) shall not prevent
the Board from performing the functions so delegated. 8.

(1) The Minister shall, on the recommendation of the Board,
appoint a Director-General who shall be—
(a) the chief executive officer of the Authority; and
(b) responsible for the day-to-day administration of the
Authority under the direction of the Board. (2) The Director-General shall attend meetings of the Board
or a committee of the Board and may address those meetings, but
shall have no vote. (3) A person qualifies for appointment as Director-General if
that person—
(a) has proven integrity;
(b) holds a degree or an equivalent qualification recognised
by the Zambia Qualifications Authority in accordance
with the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act, 2024;
[No. 72 of 2026 781National Pension Scheme
Functions of
Board
Director-
General
Act No. 8 of
2024

with the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act, 2024;
[No. 72 of 2026 781National Pension Scheme
Functions of
Board
Director-
General
Act No. 8 of
2024

(c) holds a post graduate degree recognised by the Zambia
Qualifications Authority in accordance with the Zambia
Qualifications Authority Act, 2024;
(d) has at least ten years work experience at senior
management level;
(e) has not been convicted of an offence involving fraud or
dishonesty; and
(f) has not been convicted of an offence under this Act or
any written law and is sentenced to imprisonment for a
term exceeding six months without an option of a fine. (4) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation
of the Board, determine the emoluments of the Director-General. (5) The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of
service, other than emoluments, of the Director-General. 9. (1) The Board shall appoint a Secretary who shall perform
corporate secretarial duties for the Board and other functions as
the Board may determine under the direction of the Board and
Director-General. (2) The Board shall appoint other staff of the Authority that
the Board considers necessary for the performance of the functions
of the Authority. (3) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation
of the Board, determine the emoluments of the Secretary and other
staff.

of the Authority. (3) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation
of the Board, determine the emoluments of the Secretary and other
staff.

(4) The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of
service, other than emoluments, of the Secretary and other staff. PART III
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME
10. (1) The National Pension Scheme established under the
repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act. (2) The Scheme shall be administered and managed by the
Authority. (3) The members of the Board shall be the trustees of the
Scheme and shall have oversight over the administration and
management of the Scheme. (4) The Authority shall ensure that prudent controls are
established for the Scheme relating to—
(a) the fiscal management and accounting procedures
governing the Scheme;
(b) the actuarial correctness of the Scheme;
782 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No. 8 of
2024
Secretary
and other
staff
Continuation
of National
Pension
Scheme

ectness of the Scheme;
782 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No. 8 of
2024
Secretary
and other
staff
Continuation
of National
Pension
Scheme

(c) the reporting procedures for matters relating to the Scheme;
(d) fairness in the Scheme’s benefit distribution; and
(e) the investment of the funds of the Scheme. 11. (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the
Authority and in consultation with the Pensions and Insurance
Authority, by statutory instrument, establish sub-schemes and provide
for the rules of the sub-schemes. (2) A sub-scheme shall be administered and managed by the
Authority. (3) The funds of a sub-scheme shall be managed separately
from the funds of the Scheme. 12. The Authority shall appoint an actuary who shall provide
actuarial services for the Scheme and sub-schemes. 13. (1) The Scheme and sub-schemes shall be valued by an
actuary at intervals not exceeding three years. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Authority may, in addition to
the valuation specified under subsection (1), at any time request a
valuation of the Scheme or sub-schemes. (3) An actuary shall—
(a) prepare a report on the state of the Scheme or sub-
schemes;
(b) state any surplus or deficiency in the Scheme or sub-
schemes; and
(c) recommend the action to be taken.

the state of the Scheme or sub-
schemes;
(b) state any surplus or deficiency in the Scheme or sub-
schemes; and
(c) recommend the action to be taken.

(4) An actuary shall submit the report prepared under
subsection (3) to the Authority and the Minister. 14. (1) The Authority may, on receipt of the report submitted
to the Authority in accordance with section 13(4) implement the
recommendations of the actuary. (2) The Authority shall, where the Authority fails to implement
a recommendation made by an actuary, report to the Minister, in
writing, the reasons for the failure to implement the recommendation. (3) The Minister may, where the Authority fails to implement
any recommendation contained in the report prepared under section
13(3), within six months of the receipt of the report, cause to be
implemented the recommendations of the actuary’s report and the
exercise of those powers by the Minister shall have the same effect
as if those powers were exercised by the Authority. [No. 72 of 2026 783National Pension Scheme
Sub-
schemes
Appointment
of actuary
Actuarial
valuation
of Scheme
and sub-
schemes
Action on
actuarial
report

o. 72 of 2026 783National Pension Scheme
Sub-
schemes
Appointment
of actuary
Actuarial
valuation
of Scheme
and sub-
schemes
Action on
actuarial
report

15. The membership of the Scheme consists of a person—
(a) who before the commencement of this Act, was a member
of the Scheme; and
(b) eligible to be a member of the Scheme in accordance
with this Act. 16. (1) A person who has attained the age of sixteen and is
below pensionable age shall apply to the Authority for registration
in a prescribed manner and form. (2) The Authority shall, within thirty days of the receipt of an
application under subsection (1), approve or reject the application. (3) The Authority shall where an applicant satisfies the
prescribed requirements, register an applicant and issue a unique
social security number to that applicant. (4) The Authority shall, where the Authority rejects an
application under subsection (2), inform the applicant, in writing,
stating the reasons for the rejection. 17. A member shall cease to be a member of the Scheme—
(a) after the member is paid the member’s accrued benefits
in accordance with this Act; or
(b) if the member dies. 18.

e to be a member of the Scheme—
(a) after the member is paid the member’s accrued benefits
in accordance with this Act; or
(b) if the member dies. 18.

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, an employer
shall apply for registration as a contributing employer within one
month of employing the contributing employer’s first employee in a
prescribed manner and form. (2) The Authority shall, within thirty days of the receipt of an
application under subsection (1), approve or reject the application. (3) The Authority shall, where an employer satisfies the
prescribed requirements, register the employer as a contributing
employer and issue a unique employer account number to that
employer. (4) The Authority shall, where the Authority rejects an
application under subsection (2), inform the employer, in writing,
stating the reasons for the rejection. (5) An employer who contravenes subsection (1), commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years, or to both. 784 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Registration
of member
Membership
of Scheme
Cessation of
membership
Registration
of
contributing
employer

784 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Registration
of member
Membership
of Scheme
Cessation of
membership
Registration
of
contributing
employer

19. (1) A contributing employer that ceases to have employees
or intends to permanently cease to carry on business, shall apply to
the Authority for the cancellation of the contributing employer’s
registration in a prescribed manner and form. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Authority may cancel a
contributing employer’s registration where the—
(a) contributing employer—
(i) dies;
(ii) is adjudged bankrupt; or
(iii) is wound up in accordance with the Corporate
Insolvency Act, the Banking and Financial
Services Act, 2026 or any other relevant written
law; or
(b) Authority has established that the contributing employer
has permanently ceased to carry on business. 20. (1) A contributing employer that intends to temporarily
cease operations for a period exceeding six months shall notify the
Director-General in a prescribed manner and form. (2) The Director-General shall, where the Director-General
is satisfied that a contributing employer has temporarily ceased to
operate, suspend the contributing employer’s account.

, where the Director-General
is satisfied that a contributing employer has temporarily ceased to
operate, suspend the contributing employer’s account.

(3) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, a contributing
employer whose account is suspended under subsection (2), shall
not be required to pay contributions during the period of suspension. (4) A contributing employer whose account is suspended under
this section shall, within thirty days of resuming operations notify
the Director-General, in writing. (5) The Director-General shall, where the Director-General
receives a notification under subsection (4), reactivate the
contributing employer’s account. (6) The Director-General may, where the Director-General is
satisfied that a contributing employer has not ceased to operate as
required under subsection (1) or has resumed operations without
notifying the Director-General in accordance with subsection (4),
lift the suspension. (7) The Authority shall, where the Authority lifts the suspension
of a contributing employer’s account under subsection (6), within
thirty days notify the contributing employer, in writing, stating the
reasons for lifting the suspension. [No. 72 of 2026 785National Pension Scheme
Cancellation
of
registration
Cap.431
Act No. 9
of 2026
Temporary
suspension
of employer
account

suspension. [No. 72 of 2026 785National Pension Scheme
Cancellation
of
registration
Cap.431
Act No. 9
of 2026
Temporary
suspension
of employer
account

(8) A contributing employer whose suspension is lifted under
subsection (6) is liable for any unpaid contributions or penalties, or
any other obligations under this Act, in respect of the period that
the contributing employer was operating. 21. The cancellation of registration, or suspension of account,
of a contributing employer under sections 19 and 20 shall not relieve
a contributing employer of liability for any unpaid contributions or
penalties, or any other obligation under this Act in respect of the
period before the date of cancellation of registration or suspension
of account. 22. (1) A contributing employer shall, in a prescribed manner,
notify the Authority where an—
(a) employee’s contract of employment is terminated;
(b) employee resigns;
(c) employee is placed on unpaid leave;
(d) employee is placed on secondment and that contributing
employer is not responsible for the employee’s earnings
during the period of secondment; or
(e) employee dies.

ced on secondment and that contributing
employer is not responsible for the employee’s earnings
during the period of secondment; or
(e) employee dies.

(2) A contributing employer shall in the case of an employee
referred to under—
(a) subsection (1)(a), (b) and (e), cease to make contributions
for that employee from the date of termination,
resignation or death; or
(b) subsection (1) (c) and (d), cease to make contributions
for the period that the employee is on unpaid leave or
secondment. (3) Where a member is seconded to an employer that is not an
exempted employer under this Act, that employer shall pay
contributions for that member, in accordance with this Act, in respect
of the period that member is on secondment. 23. (1) Despite section 3, an employer who is exempt under
section 3 may consent to be registered as a contributing employer
under this Act. (2) The consent referred to under subsection (1) may apply to—
(a) all the employees of an employer who is exempt; or
(b) a specified number of employees of an employer who is
exempt. 786 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Cancellation
or
suspension
not to relieve
contributing
employer of
liability
Notification
of
termination
of
employment,
resignation
and
placement on
unpaid leave
or
secondment
Registration
of exempted
employer

oyer of
liability
Notification
of
termination
of
employment,
resignation
and
placement on
unpaid leave
or
secondment
Registration
of exempted
employer

(3) An employer who is exempt shall, where an employer who
is exempt consents to be registered as a contributing employer
under subsection (1), apply for registration in accordance with
section 18. (4) Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of this Act shall,
where an application for registration is granted in accordance with
section 18, apply to an employer who is exempt. PART IV
CONTRIBUTIONS
24. (1) A contributing employer shall pay to the Scheme a
contribution in respect of a member employed by the contributing
employer, consisting of the contributing employer’s contribution and
the member’s contribution at a prescribed percentage. (2) The prescribed percentage referred to under subsection
(1) shall be determined by an actuarial assessment conducted to
ascertain the financial sustainability of the Scheme. (3) A member’s contribution referred to in subsection (1) shall
be deducted from the member’s earnings to which the contribution
relates. (4) Despite any agreement to the contrary, an employer shall
not deduct the contributing employer’s contribution from the
member’s earnings.

relates. (4) Despite any agreement to the contrary, an employer shall
not deduct the contributing employer’s contribution from the
member’s earnings.

(5) Where a member is employed concurrently by two or more
contributing employers, each of the contributing employers shall
pay to the Scheme a contribution in accordance with subsection
(1) in respect of that member. (6) Despite subsection (1), a member may contribute to the
Scheme as prescribed where the member—
(a) is an employee of an employer who is exempt;
(b) is no longer engaged in formal employment; or
(c) proceeds on—
(i) secondment and the receiving employer that is
responsible for the payment of that member’s
contributions is an exempted employer under
section 3; or
(ii) unpaid leave. (7) A contributing employer shall pay contributions referred to
under subsection (1) to the Scheme on or before the tenth day of
each month following the month to which a contribution relates. [No. 72 of 2026 787National Pension Scheme
Payment of
contributions

e the tenth day of
each month following the month to which a contribution relates. [No. 72 of 2026 787National Pension Scheme
Payment of
contributions

(8) A contributing employer shall, where a contributing
employer fails to pay the contribution on the day referred to under
subsection (7), be liable to pay a penalty equal to ten per cent of
the amount unpaid which shall be added as a penalty for each
month or part thereof after the day the payment is due. (9) The Authority may recover the amount of the penalty
referred to under subsection (8) by way of civil action in a competent
court. (10) Despite subsection (8), the Authority may waive a penalty
incurred by a contributing employer on conditions that the Minister
may, by statutory instrument, prescribe. 25. A contributing employer shall, on or before the tenth day
of each month following the month to which a contribution relates,
submit a monthly return to the Authority in a prescribed manner
and form. 26. (1) The Director-General may, where the Director-
General is satisfied that a member’s contribution is deducted from
the member’s earnings, but a contributing employer has failed to
pay the contribution in accordance with section 24(1), treat the
unpaid contributions as wholly or partially paid for the purpose of
any claim for the payment of benefits.

in accordance with section 24(1), treat the
unpaid contributions as wholly or partially paid for the purpose of
any claim for the payment of benefits.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not operate as a bar to any further
legal action against a contributing employer for recovery of the
amount due from that contributing employer. 27. (1) Where the Director-General is satisfied that an amount
is paid to the Authority as a contribution and that amount was paid
in error, the amount paid in error shall be refunded to a contributing
employer or applied to any liability owing by that contributing
employer to the Authority. (2) The Authority shall, where the Authority exercises the
power in subsection (1), notify the contributing employer and
member in a prescribed manner. 28. (1) The Director-General may, where a contribution due
from a contributing employer remains unpaid, by notice, in writing,
require that an amount, or so much as is sufficient, to discharge up
to fifty per cent of the contributions due from the contributing
employer, be paid to the Authority by a person—
(a) from whom any money is due, or is accruing, or may
become due to a contributing employer;
(b) who holds, or may subsequently hold, money on account
of some person for or on account of, or for payment to,
the contributing employer; or
788 No.

b) who holds, or may subsequently hold, money on account
of some person for or on account of, or for payment to,
the contributing employer; or
788 No.

72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Submission
of monthly
returns
Treating
unpaid
contributions
as paid
Refund of
contributions
paid in error
Attachment
of Debt

] National Pension Scheme
Submission
of monthly
returns
Treating
unpaid
contributions
as paid
Refund of
contributions
paid in error
Attachment
of Debt

(c) having authority from any person to pay money to the
contributing employer. (2) A person who fails to comply with a notice served on that
person in accordance with subsection (1) commits an offence and
is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand
penalty units or ten per cent of the amount demanded under the
notice, whichever is the greater. (3) In addition to the penalty referred to under subsection (2),
the court may, where the circumstances referred under subsection
(1) exist at the time of the conviction, order the person to pay to the
Authority an amount specified in the notice under subsection (1). PART V
BENEFITS
29. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a member shall
retire on attaining pensionable age.

in the notice under subsection (1). PART V
BENEFITS
29. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a member shall
retire on attaining pensionable age.

(2) Despite subsection (1), a member may retire on attaining
the age of —
(a) fifty-five, if twelve months before attaining that age, the
member notifies the contributing employer of the
members intention to retire at fifty-five; or
(b) sixty-five if, twelve months before attaining the pensionable
age, the member notifies the contributing employer of
the member’s intention to retire at the age of sixty-five
and the contributing employer approves the retirement. (3) A member who retires in accordance with subsection (1)
or (2) and has made not less than one hundred and eighty monthly
contributions, shall be paid a retirement pension. (4) An employer shall, where a member retires in accordance
with subsection (2), within thirty days of the notification or approval
referred to under subsection (2) (a) and (b), notify the Authority in
a prescribed manner. 30. (1) A member who retires in accordance with section 29
shall be entitled to a retirement pension as prescribed. (2) The minimum retirement pension payable to a member that
retires in accordance with section 29 shall be twenty five percent
of the national average earnings.

nimum retirement pension payable to a member that
retires in accordance with section 29 shall be twenty five percent
of the national average earnings.

(3) The average monthly earnings shall be determined for each
member at the time the member makes a claim by dividing the
aggregate of pensionable earnings by the number of months of
pensionable employment. [No. 72 of 2026 789National Pension Scheme
Retirement
and
condition for
award of
retirement
pension
Amount of
retirement
pension

nsionable employment. [No. 72 of 2026 789National Pension Scheme
Retirement
and
condition for
award of
retirement
pension
Amount of
retirement
pension

31. A retirement pension shall be paid monthly, commencing the
month following the member’s retirement and shall end in the month
in which the retired member dies. 32. A member who has attained pensionable age and has retired
from employment but does not meet the qualifications for a retirement
pension under section 29 (3), shall be entitled to the payment of a
lump sum as prescribed. 33. (1) A member shall qualify for early retirement pension if
the member has—
(a) attained the age of fifty-five but is below the age of sixty;
and
(b) made not less than one hundred and eighty monthly
contributions. (2) The amount of the pension paid on early retirement under
subsection (1) shall be the amount that would be payable under section
30 (2) reduced in accordance with a prescribed actuarial formula. (3) An early retirement pension shall not be payable if the amount
of the pension calculated in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (2) would be lower than the minimum pension under sections
30(2) and 36 (3). 34.

he pension calculated in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (2) would be lower than the minimum pension under sections
30(2) and 36 (3). 34.

(1) A member is entitled to a pre-retirement lump sum benefit
if the member consents, in writing, to access a pre-retirement lump
sum benefit, is below the age of sixty-five and has—
(a) made a minimum of sixty monthly contributions; or
(b) attained the age of forty-five. (2) The pre-retirement lump sum benefit payable under subsection
(1), shall be twenty per cent of the indexed monthly contributions and
the accrued interest. 35. (1) A member may draw a lump sum payment of thirty per
centum of the member’s indexed monthly contributions and interest
at any time commencing three months before retirement and ending
on the day immediately preceding the date on which the member
retires. (2) Despite subsection (1), where a member has accessed a pre-
retirement lump sum benefit under section 34, the portion of the lump
sum payment to be attributed to the member’s contributions—
(a) shall be ten per cent of the indexed monthly contributions
and interest on the contributions beginning from the first
contribution made by the member after the member
790 No.

the indexed monthly contributions
and interest on the contributions beginning from the first
contribution made by the member after the member
790 No.

72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Duration
of
retirement
pension
Retirement
lump sum
Early
retirement
pension
Pre-
retirement
lump
sum
benefit
Lump
sum
payment
three
months
prior to
retirement

of
retirement
pension
Retirement
lump sum
Early
retirement
pension
Pre-
retirement
lump
sum
benefit
Lump
sum
payment
three
months
prior to
retirement

becomes a member of the Scheme to the last contribution
made by the member on the date of award of the pre-
retirement lump sum benefit; and
(b) thirty percent on the index monthly contributions and
interest made after the date of award of the pre-
retirement lump sum benefit to the date that the member
accesses the lump sum payment under this section. (3) Despite subsection (1), a member declared invalid under
section 38 or a deceased member’s beneficiaries who are entitled
to a survivor’s pension may access the lump sum payment provided
under subsection (1). (4) The manner of applying for a lump sum payment under
this section and the conditions of award shall be prescribed. 36. (1) The payable benefit at retirement or any other benefit
to a member who has accessed the pre-retirement lump sum benefit
under section 34 or lump sum payment under section 35 shall be
based on a member’s residual contributions and contributions made
after the receipt of a pre-retirement lump sum benefit.

nt under section 35 shall be
based on a member’s residual contributions and contributions made
after the receipt of a pre-retirement lump sum benefit.

(2) A member who accesses a pre-retirement lump sum benefit
under section 34 or lump sum payment under section 35 consents
to a reduction in that member’s retirement benefit or any other
benefit payable under this Act. (3) Despite section 30, the minimum monthly retirement pension
for a member who accesses the—
(a) pre-retirement lump sum benefit under section 34 shall be
eighty percent of the applicable minimum monthly
retirement pension referred to under section 30 (2); or
(b) pre-retirement lump sum benefit and the lump sum payment
referred to under sections 34 and 35, shall be seventy
percent of the applicable minimum monthly retirement
pension referred to under section 30 (2). (4) In this section, “retirement benefit”means a retirement
pension and retirement lump sum referred to under sections 29 and
32. 37. (1) The Authority shall constitute an ad hoc medical board
for the purpose of examining a claimant or beneficiary who has a
claim to a benefit under this Part. (2) A member of an ad hoc medical board shall be paid
allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Authority, determine. [No.

member of an ad hoc medical board shall be paid
allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Authority, determine. [No.

72 of 2026 791National Pension Scheme
Retirement
benefit for
member who
accesses pre-
retirement
lump sum
benefit or
lump sum
payment
Ad hoc
medical
board

f 2026 791National Pension Scheme
Retirement
benefit for
member who
accesses pre-
retirement
lump sum
benefit or
lump sum
payment
Ad hoc
medical
board

(3) The proceedings for an ad hoc medical board shall be
prescribed. 38. (1) A member shall apply for an invalidity benefit to the
Director-General in a prescribed manner and form. (2) The Director-General shall, following the receipt of a claim
submitted under subsection (1), refer the member to an ad hoc
medical board for medical examination for purposes of determining
whether the invalidity of that member is permanent. 39. (1) A member referred to under section 38 shall qualify
for invalidity pension if the member—
(a) has been certified as being invalid by an ad hoc medical
board;
(b) is under pensionable age; and
(c) has made—
(i) one hundred and eighty monthly contributions; or
(ii) at least sixty monthly contributions, of which
twelve or more were paid in the period of thirty-
six months immediately preceding the date the
invalidity began. (2) The Minister shall, by statutory instrument, prescribe the
monthly rate of invalidity pension, determined on the basis of the
member’s average monthly earnings and the length of pensionable
service. (3) The monthly rate of invalidity pension shall be supplemented
by a prescribed percentage.

e monthly earnings and the length of pensionable
service. (3) The monthly rate of invalidity pension shall be supplemented
by a prescribed percentage.

(4) The minimum monthly invalidity pension shall be twenty-
five per cent of the national average earnings. (5) Despite subsection (4), a member who suffers an invalidity
after accessing a pre-retirement lump sum benefit or lump sum
payment under sections 34 and 35 is entitled to a monthly invalidity
pension as prescribed. 40. Subject to the provisions of this Act, invalidity pension
shall be paid for the duration of the permanent invalidity commencing
the month following the date of invalidity and ending—
(a) when the member reaches pensionable age;
(b) when the member dies; or
(c) on the date that the member is certified by an ad hoc
medical board, after an assessment conducted in
accordance with section 41, to have recovered from
the permanent invalidity. 792 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Invalidity
benefit
Invalidity
pension
Duration of
invalidity
pension

overed from
the permanent invalidity. 792 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Invalidity
benefit
Invalidity
pension
Duration of
invalidity
pension

41. (1) The Director-General may, at any time after the award
of an invalidity pension, refer a beneficiary of an invalidity pension
to an ad hoc medical board for re-examination. (2) A beneficiary of an invalidity pension shall cease to receive
an invalidity pension if—
(a) the beneficiary fails to comply with the directions of the
Director-General under subsection (1); or
(b) the ad hoc medical board determines that the beneficiary
is no longer permanently invalid following a re-
examination conducted under subsection (1). 42. A member referred to under section 38 shall qualify for
invalidity lump sum benefit if the member—
(a) has been certified as being invalid by an ad hoc medical
board;
(b) is under pensionable age; and
(c) has not met the requirements under section 39(1)(c). 43. (1) Subject to this Act, a survivor’s pension shall be paid
to—
(a) a surviving spouse and an eligible child of a deceased
member;
(b) a surviving spouse, where a member is survived by a
spouse and no child; or
(c) an eligible child, where a member is survived by an eligible
child and no surviving spouse.

here a member is survived by a
spouse and no child; or
(c) an eligible child, where a member is survived by an eligible
child and no surviving spouse.

(2) A survivor’s pension under subsection (1) shall be paid if
at the time of a member’s death, the member—
(a) was in receipt of a retirement pension or an invalidity
pension;
(b) would have been entitled to an invalidity pension under
section 39;
(c) had reached pensionable age and would have been entitled
to a retirement pension under section 29; or
(d) had made not less than one hundred and eighty monthly
contributions and had not attained pensionable age. (3) A survivor’s pension payable to a surviving spouse or eligible
child under this section shall be at a prescribed rate. (4) The Authority shall pay a lump sum to the estate of a
deceased member if at the time of death, the member leaves no
surviving spouse and eligible child and the member—
(a) would have been entitled to an invalidity pension under
section 39;
[No. 72 of 2026 793National Pension Scheme
Re-
examination
Invalidity
lump sum
benefit
Survivor’s
Pension

d to an invalidity pension under
section 39;
[No. 72 of 2026 793National Pension Scheme
Re-
examination
Invalidity
lump sum
benefit
Survivor’s
Pension

(b) reached pensionable age and would have been entitled to
a retirement pension under section 29; or
(c) made not less than one hundred and eighty monthly
contributions and had not attained pensionable age. (5) The computation of the lump sum payment payable under
subsection (4) shall be prescribed. 44.

contributions and had not attained pensionable age. (5) The computation of the lump sum payment payable under
subsection (4) shall be prescribed. 44.

A survivor’s pension shall be paid to—
(a) a surviving spouse for life or until such spouse remarries,
if the surviving spouse has at the date of a member’s
death—
(i) attained, or is above the age of forty-five; or
(ii) is under the age of forty-five and has parental
responsibility for an eligible child under the age
of fifteen;
(b) a surviving spouse for a period of two years from the
date of death of a member, if at the date of death of the
member, the surviving spouse is below the age of forty-
five and does not have parental responsibility for an
eligible child under the age of fifteen; or
(c) an eligible child—
(i) until the age of eighteen;
(ii) attending school education or undergoing training
at a higher education institution or technical
education, vocational and entrepreneurship
training institution until the age of twenty-five;
or
(iii) for life, where the child is an invalid at the time of
the member’s death and has been certified as
permanently invalid by an ad hoc medical board
established under section 37. 45.

n invalid at the time of
the member’s death and has been certified as
permanently invalid by an ad hoc medical board
established under section 37. 45.

(1) A surviving spouse or an eligible child of a deceased
member shall, where a deceased member did not meet the
requirements under section 43(2) at the time of the member’s death,
be entitled to a lump sum payment as prescribed. (2) A lump sum payment referred to under subsection (1) shall,
where there is no surviving spouse or eligible child, form part of the
estate of a deceased member. 794 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Duration of
survivor’s
pension
Survivor’s
lump sum

le child, form part of the
estate of a deceased member. 794 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Duration of
survivor’s
pension
Survivor’s
lump sum

46. Despite the Intestate Succession Act and the Wills and
Administration of Testate Estates Act, a survivor’s pension,
survivor’s lump sum, lump sum payment and funeral grant shall be
computed and paid in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 47. (1) There shall be paid to the next of kin of a deceased
member a funeral grant, where the member—
(a) has made at least twelve monthly contributions during the
thirty-six months immediately preceding the member’s
death and the member was not in receipt of a retirement
pension; or
(b) was in receipt of a retirement pension. (2) The funeral grant referred to under subsection (1) shall be
prescribed. (3) For the purpose of this section “next of kin” means—
(a) a spouse, child, father, mother, brother, sister of a deceased
member or a person nominated by a member; or
(b) in the absence of the persons referred to under paragraph
(a), an administrator or executor of a deceased’s estate. 48. (1) A pension payable under this Act shall be adjusted
annually by an index based on the national average earnings as
may be prescribed by the Minister.

) A pension payable under this Act shall be adjusted
annually by an index based on the national average earnings as
may be prescribed by the Minister.

(2) The Authority shall determine the national average earnings
under subsection (1) annually, by applying statistics and data
compiled by the Zambia Statistics Agency. 49. (1) A person shall submit a claim to the Director-General
for the payment of a benefit under this Act in a prescribed manner
and form. (2) The Director-General shall, on receipt of a claim under
subsection (1), determine the claim as prescribed. 50. (1) A member who is in receipt of a retirement pension or
invalidity pension under this Act may be paid an advance payment. (2) A person who intends to access an advance payment
referred to under subsection (1) shall apply to the Authority in a
prescribed manner and form. (3) The Authority shall, within thirty days of the receipt of an
application under subsection (1), approve or reject the application. (4) The Authority shall, where an applicant meets the prescribed
requirements, make an advance payment to the applicant in a
prescribed manner. [No.

. (4) The Authority shall, where an applicant meets the prescribed
requirements, make an advance payment to the applicant in a
prescribed manner. [No.

72 of 2026 795National Pension Scheme
Non-
application
of estate
laws
Cap.59
Cap.60
Funeral
grants
Adjustment
of pension
Submission
of claim for
benefit
Advance
payment for
member in
receipt of
monthly
retirement or
invalidity
pension

Funeral
grants
Adjustment
of pension
Submission
of claim for
benefit
Advance
payment for
member in
receipt of
monthly
retirement or
invalidity
pension

(5) The Authority shall, where the Authority rejects an
application under subsection (3), inform the applicant, in writing,
stating the reasons for the rejection. (6) An advance payment made under subsection (5) shall be
recovered in a prescribed manner. 51. (1) A person who receives a benefit that the person is not
entitled to receive under this Act shall inform the Authority and pay
back the benefit to the Authority as the Authority may determine. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Authority shall, where the
Authority becomes aware that a benefit is improperly made to a
person, notify that person in writing. (3) The Authority may recover the benefits referred to under
this section by deducting from a benefit to which a member is
entitled. 52. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, an
assignment or charge on benefits and an agreement to assign or
charge any benefit shall be void, and on the bankruptcy of a
beneficiary the benefit shall not pass to any trustee or other person
acting on behalf of creditors.

benefit shall be void, and on the bankruptcy of a
beneficiary the benefit shall not pass to any trustee or other person
acting on behalf of creditors.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the Authority may, where the
Authority makes an advance payment to a member recover the
advance payment from the benefits of a member in accordance
with section 50. 53. Despite any written law, where a judgment or order is
obtained against a member, no execution or attachment or process
of any nature shall be issued against the contributions of a member,
except in accordance with the terms of the Authority and that
contributions shall not form part of the assets of the member in the
event of bankruptcy. PART VI
NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME FUND
54. (1) There is established the National Pension Scheme
Fund. (2) The Fund consists of—
(a) monies that may be received as contributions under this
Act;
(b) monies received by way of penalties imposed under section
24;
(c) monies that may be received as income and capital
appreciation derived from the holding of the assets of
the Scheme or a sub-scheme in any form;
796 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Repayment
of benefit
improperly
received
Invalidity of
assignment
or charge of
benefits
Protection
against
attachment
Establishment
of National
Pension
Scheme Fund

benefit
improperly
received
Invalidity of
assignment
or charge of
benefits
Protection
against
attachment
Establishment
of National
Pension
Scheme Fund

(d) monies or assets that may vest, or accrue to, the Scheme
or a sub-scheme; and
(e) fees payable to the Authority under this Act. (3) The Fund may be applied for the purposes of—
(a) paying benefits in accordance with the provisions of this
Act;
(b) paying administrative and management expenses of the
Scheme or a sub-scheme, including the audit and
actuarial investigations of the Scheme and sub-schemes;
(c) any losses incurred on the realisation or decrease in the
value of any assets of the Scheme or a sub-scheme;
and
(d) any other payments authorised to be made out of the
Scheme under the provisions of this Act. (4) The Authority may, with the approval of the Board, invest
any monies of the Fund that are not immediately required for the
discharge of the Authority’s functions, in a prescribed manner. 55. (1) The Fund shall be managed and administered by the
Authority. (2) The Authority shall ensure that prudent controls are
established for the Fund relating to—
(a) the fiscal management and accounting procedures
governing the Fund;
(b) the reporting procedures for matters relating to the Fund;
and
(c) the investment of the monies of the Fund. 56.

ng procedures
governing the Fund;
(b) the reporting procedures for matters relating to the Fund;
and
(c) the investment of the monies of the Fund. 56.

The Authority shall open and maintain separate accounts
for the funds of the Scheme and funds of a sub-scheme. 57. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and other records relating to the accounts of the Fund. (2) The Fund shall be audited annually by the Auditor-General
or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General. (3) The Board may order any other audit in addition to the
annual audit specified under subsection (2). (4) The fees for the audit shall be paid from the Fund. [No. 72 of 2026 797National Pension Scheme
Management
of Fund
Scheme and
sub-schemes
bank account
Accounts
and audit of
Fund

ll be paid from the Fund. [No. 72 of 2026 797National Pension Scheme
Management
of Fund
Scheme and
sub-schemes
bank account
Accounts
and audit of
Fund

58. (1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable, but not
later than ninety days after the end of the financial year, submit to
the Minister a report concerning the Authority’s activities relating
to the Fund during the financial year. (2) The report under subsection (1), shall include information
on the financial affairs of the Authority relating to the Fund and
there shall be appended to the report—
(a) an audited statement of financial position;
(b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and
expenditure; and
(c) other information that the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first
sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report
under subsection (1), lay the report before the National Assembly. PART VII
INSPECTORATE
59. (1) The Authority shall appoint suitably qualified persons
as inspectors for purposes of ensuring compliance with this Act. (2) The Authority shall issue an inspector with an identification
card which shall be prima facie evidence of the inspector’s
appointment.

h this Act. (2) The Authority shall issue an inspector with an identification
card which shall be prima facie evidence of the inspector’s
appointment.

(3) An inspector shall in performing a function under this Act—
(a) be in possession of the identification card referred to under
subsection (2); and
(b) show the identification card to any person who requests
to see the identification card or is subject to an
investigation for the purposes of this Act. 60. (1) An inspector may, for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of this Act, at any reasonable time, without prior notice—
(a) inspect and search any land, building, premises or vehicle,
where the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe
that an offence has been committed or is likely to be
committed;
(b) search a person who the inspector has reasonable grounds
to believe that the person has possession of an article,
document or record that has a bearing on an inspection
or investigation, except that a person shall only be
searched by a person of the same sex;
798 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Annual
report
Inspectors
Powers of
Inspectors

a person shall only be
searched by a person of the same sex;
798 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Annual
report
Inspectors
Powers of
Inspectors

(c) have access to and inspect, examine and audit documents,
books and records, or articles found on any land, building,
premises or vehicle that have a bearing on an inspection
or investigation;
(d) remove a document, book, record or other document which
an inspector believes may afford evidence of an offence
under this Act;
(e) require from a person who is in control of the premises an
explanation of any record or entry in the document, book,
record or other document;
(f)take extracts from, or make copies of, a document, book,
record or other document on any premises that has a
bearing on an inspection or investigation; or
(g) make enquiries that may be necessary to ascertain whether
the provisions of this Act or any other law on which an
inspection or investigation is based, have been complied
with. (2) An owner or occupier of any land, building, premises or
vehicle shall afford an inspector access to any record or document
for the purposes of an inspection and produce to the inspector, a
record or document that the inspector may require.

access to any record or document
for the purposes of an inspection and produce to the inspector, a
record or document that the inspector may require.

(3) An inspector who removes an article, document, record,
book or any other thing from any premises under subsection (1),
shall—
(a) issue a receipt for the article, document, record, book or
any other thing to the owner or person in control of the
premises; and
(b) return the article, document, record, book or any other
document as soon as practicable after achieving the
purpose for which it was removed. (4) An inspector shall furnish the Authority with a written
report and any other information relating to an inspection. (5) A person commits an offence if that person—
(a) delays or obstructs an inspector in the performance of
the functions of an inspector under this Act;
(b) refuses to give an inspector reasonable assistance as the
inspector may require for the purpose of performing the
functions of the inspector;
(c) impersonates an inspector or presents oneself to be an
inspector; or
[No. 72 of 2026 799National Pension Scheme

ng the
functions of the inspector;
(c) impersonates an inspector or presents oneself to be an
inspector; or
[No. 72 of 2026 799National Pension Scheme

(d) knowingly or negligently gives an inspector false or
misleading information orally, in writing or otherwise. (6) A person who contravenes subsection (5) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not
exceeding two years, or to both. PART VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
61. (1) Subject to any other written law, the Authority may,
for the purpose of carrying out the Authority’s functions under this
Act, enter into a joint venture, partnership, co-investment or other
collaborative arrangement with a person, whether public or private,
within or outside the Republic. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Authority may co-invest by
way of equity participation or any other financial arrangement with
a person, in a project, undertaking, or enterprise that is consistent
with the Authority’s mandate. (3) A joint venture, partnership, co-investment or other similar
arrangement entered into by the Authority shall be subject to the
terms and conditions that the Authority may determine, including
governance, risk sharing, funding or exit mechanisms. 62.

ity shall be subject to the
terms and conditions that the Authority may determine, including
governance, risk sharing, funding or exit mechanisms. 62.

Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body
corporate or unincorporate body, with the knowledge, consent or
connivance of the director, manager, partner or shareholder of that
body corporate or unincorporate body, that director, manager,
partner or shareholder commits the same offence as the body
corporate or unincorporate body and is liable, on conviction, to the
penalty specified for that offence under this Act. 63. (1) A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, given
by or on behalf of the Director-General or otherwise permitted by
any written law, publish or disclose to a person, other than in the
course of that person’s duties, the contents of a document,
communication or information, which relates to, or which has come
to, that person’s knowledge in the course of that person’s duties
under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years, or to both. 800 No.

, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years, or to both. 800 No.

72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Joint
venture,
partnership
and co-
investment
Offence by
principal
officers of
body
corporate or
unincorporate
body
Prohibition of
publication or
disclosure of
information
to
unauthorised
persons

Offence by
principal
officers of
body
corporate or
unincorporate
body
Prohibition of
publication or
disclosure of
information
to
unauthorised
persons

(3) A person who, having any information which to the
knowledge of that person has been published or disclosed in
contravention of subsection (1), unlawfully publishes or
communicates the information to another person commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years, or to both. 64. (1) A person commits an offence if that person—
(a) deducts from a member’s wages any amount by way of
the member’s share which is in excess of the amount
due to be deducted under this Act;
(b) continues to have employees and carry on business during
a period of cancellation of registration or suspension of
an account under sections 19 and 20;
(c) fails to pay to the Scheme, within the period specified,
any contribution which that person is liable to pay under
this Act;
(d) without lawful excuse refuses or fails to provide
information or produce a document when required to
do so under this Act; or
(e) knowingly makes, or causes to be made, to the Authority
a false statement or false report in any material
particular under this Act.

this Act; or
(e) knowingly makes, or causes to be made, to the Authority
a false statement or false report in any material
particular under this Act.

(2) A person who is convicted of an offence under this section
is liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. (3) Without prejudice to any civil remedy, the court may, where
a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (2), in addition
to any other penalty provided for order that person to—
(a) pay to the Scheme the amount of any contributions and
penalty, certified to be due from that person to the
Scheme at the date of conviction and such amount shall
be recovered in the same manner as a fine and shall be
paid into the Fund for the credit, where applicable, of
the accounts of the member concerned;
(b) produce documents required to be produced under this
Act;
(c) furnish information required under this Act; or
(d) any other order that the court may deem fit. [No. 72 of 2026 801National Pension Scheme
General
offences

h information required under this Act; or
(d) any other order that the court may deem fit. [No. 72 of 2026 801National Pension Scheme
General
offences

65. A person who contravenes any provision of this Act for
which no penalty is provided is liable, on conviction, to a fine not
exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding one year, or to both. 66. (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the
Authority, by statutory instrument, make regulations for the better
carrying out of the provisions of this Act.

ster may, on the recommendation of the
Authority, by statutory instrument, make regulations for the better
carrying out of the provisions of this Act.

(2) Despite subsection (1), regulations made under that
subsection may provide for the—
(a) prevention of the receipt of more than one benefit and the
adjustment of benefits in special circumstances;
(b) conditions and other matters relating to the payment of
contributions and benefits;
(c) manner and form of registering contributing employers
and members;
(d) manner and form of filing monthly returns;
(e) procedures to be followed, and reports to be rendered, in
respect of medical examinations conducted by a medical
board;
(f)annual pensionable earnings;
(g) proper administration of benefits, including the obligations
of claimants, beneficiaries and employers;
(h) formula for the computation of benefits payable under
the Scheme and a sub-scheme, as determined by an
actuarial study;
(i) different rate of contributions for different sub-schemes;
(j)investment guidelines for the Scheme or a sub-scheme;
(k) conditions and procedures under which a person who is
not eligible to become a member of the Scheme under
this Act, may become a member;
(l) administration and management of the Scheme and sub-
scheme; and
(m) procedures for the integration of electronic systems of
contributing employers for purposes of compliance.

ment of the Scheme and sub-
scheme; and
(m) procedures for the integration of electronic systems of
contributing employers for purposes of compliance.

67. (1) The National Pensions Scheme Act, is repealed. (2) Despite subsection (1), the Second Schedule applies to the
savings and transitional provisions. 802 No. 72 of 20256] National Pension Scheme
General
penalty
Regulations
Repeal of
Cap.256,
and savings
and
transitional
provisions

tional provisions. 802 No. 72 of 20256] National Pension Scheme
General
penalty
Regulations
Repeal of
Cap.256,
and savings
and
transitional
provisions

FIRST SCHEDULE
(Sections 4(2) and 6 (6))
PART I
ADMINISTRATION OF THE AUTHORITY
1. (1) The seal of the Authority shall be a device that may
be determined by the Authority and shall be kept by the Director-
General or an officer designated by the Director-General. (2) The affixing of the seal shall be authenticated by the
Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson and the Director-General or
any other person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the
Board. (3) A contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed
by a person not being a body corporate, is not required to be under
seal, may be entered into or executed without seal on behalf of the
Authority by the Director-General or any other person authorised
in that behalf by a resolution of the Board. (4) A document purporting to be a document under the seal of
the Authority or issued on behalf of the Authority shall be received
in evidence and shall be considered to be so executed or issued,
without further proof, unless the contrary is proved. 2.

Authority shall be received
in evidence and shall be considered to be so executed or issued,
without further proof, unless the contrary is proved. 2.

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, a member of
the Board shall hold office for a term of three years from the date
of appointment and may be re-appointed for a further and final
term of three years. (2) A member of the Board shall, on expiration of the term for
which that member is appointed, continue to hold office until another
member is appointed, but in no case shall the extension of the period
exceed three months. (3) The office of a member of the Board becomes vacant if
that member—
(a) dies;
(b) is adjudged bankrupt under any written law;
(c) is absent, without reasonable excuse and without the prior
approval of the Board, from three consecutive meetings
of the Board, of which that member has had notice;
(d) resigns, by giving one month’s notice, in writing, to the
Minister;
(e) is legally disqualified from performing the functions of a
member;
(f)ceases to be a representative of the ministry, institution or
organisation, which nominated the member; or
[No. 72of 2026 803National Pension Scheme
Seal of
Authority
Tenure of
office and
vacancy

, institution or
organisation, which nominated the member; or
[No. 72of 2026 803National Pension Scheme
Seal of
Authority
Tenure of
office and
vacancy

(g) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other
written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a term
exceeding six months without an option of a fine. (4) The Minister shall, where the office of a member of the
Board becomes vacant before the expiry of the term of office of
the member, appoint another member in place of the member of
the Board, but that member shall hold office as a member of the
Board only for the unexpired part of the term of the Board. 3. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board
may regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of business at
least once every three months at a place and time that the Board
may determine. (3) The Chairperson shall, on giving notice of not less than
fourteen days, call for a meeting of the Board, or where one third
or more of the members so request, in writing, except that if the
urgency of a particular matter does not permit the giving of a notice,
a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter notice. (4) Five members of the Board shall form a quorum at a
meeting of the Board.

of a notice,
a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter notice. (4) Five members of the Board shall form a quorum at a
meeting of the Board.

(5) There shall preside at any meeting of the Board—
(a) the Chairperson;
(b) in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson;
or
(c) in the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-
Chairperson, a member of the Board as the members
of the Board present may elect for the purpose of the
meeting. (6) A decision of the Board on any question shall be by a
majority of the members of the Board present and voting at the
meeting and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding
at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to the deliberative
vote. (7) A member of the Board may, where a member of the Board
is for any reason unable to attend a meeting of the Board, except
for a member referred to under section 6(1)(a), (g) and (h) nominate
another person, in writing, from the same ministry, institution or
organisation to attend a meeting in that member’s stead and that
person shall be deemed to be a member of the Board for the purpose
of that meeting. 804 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Proceedings
of
Board

t
person shall be deemed to be a member of the Board for the purpose
of that meeting. 804 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Proceedings
of
Board

(8) The Board may invite a person whose presence is in the
Board’s opinion desirable to attend and to participate in the
deliberations of the meeting of the Board but that person shall have
no vote. (9) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings
of every meeting of the Board or any committee of the Board. 4. (1) The Board may, for the purpose of performing its
functions under this Act, constitute a committee and delegate any
of its functions to the committee as the Board considers necessary. (2) The Board may appoint as members of a committee,
persons who are, or are not, members of the Board, except that at
least one member of the Board shall be a member of a committee. (3) A member of a committee shall hold office for a period
that the Board may determine. (4) Subject to any specific or general directions of the Board,
a committee may regulate its own procedure. 5. A member of the Board or any committee of the Board
shall be paid allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on
the recommendation of the Minister, determine. 6.

Board or any committee of the Board
shall be paid allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on
the recommendation of the Minister, determine. 6.

(1) A person who is present at a meeting of the Board or a
committee of the Board at which any matter is the subject of
consideration and in which matter that person or that person’s relative
or associate is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity,
shall, as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the
meeting, declare that interest and shall not, unless the Board or
committee of the Board otherwise directs, take part in any
consideration or discussion of, or vote on, any question relating to
that matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under subparagraph (1) shall
be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is made. PART II
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
7. (1) The funds of the Authority consist of —
(a) monies that may be paid to the Authority by way of fees,
grants or donations;
(b) a percentage of the contributions and investment income
based on an actuarial assessment; or
(c) monies that may vest in or accrue to the Authority. [No. 72 of 2026 805National Pension Scheme
Committees
of Board
Allowances
Disclosure
of interest
Funds of
Authority

est in or accrue to the Authority. [No. 72 of 2026 805National Pension Scheme
Committees
of Board
Allowances
Disclosure
of interest
Funds of
Authority

(2) The Authority may—
(a) subject to the approval of the Minister, accept monies by
way of grants or donations from any source in the
Republic and outside the Republic; or
(b) charge and collect fees for services provided by the
Authority. (3) The Authority may raise loans in accordance with the
Public Debt Management Act, 2022. (4) There shall be paid from the funds of the Authority—
(a) the emoluments of the members of the Board and staff of
the Authority;
(b) reasonable travelling and other allowances for members
of the Board or members of a committee of the Board
when engaged in the business of the Authority at rates
that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Minister, determine; or
(c) any other expenses incurred by the Authority in the
performance of the Authority’s functions under this Act. (5) The Authority may, with the approval of the Board, invest
in a manner that the Authority considers appropriate funds that the
Authority does not immediately require for the discharge of the
Authority’s functions. 8. The financial year of the Authority shall be the period of
twelve months ending on the 31st of December in each year. 9.

the
Authority’s functions. 8. The financial year of the Authority shall be the period of
twelve months ending on the 31st of December in each year. 9.

(1) The Authority shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and other records relating to the Authority’s accounts. (2) The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by
the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General. (3) The fees for the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed
by the Auditor-General shall be paid by the Authority. 10. (1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable, but not
later than ninety days after the end of a financial year, submit to
the Minister a report concerning the functions and activities of the
Authority during the financial year. (2) The report referred to in subparagraph (1) shall include
information on the financial affairs of the Authority and there shall
be appended to the report—
(a) an audited statement of financial position;
(b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and
expenditure; and
(c) other information as the Minister may require. 806 No. 72of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No. 15 of
2022
Financial
year
Accounts
Annual
Report

(c) other information as the Minister may require. 806 No. 72of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Act No. 15 of
2022
Financial
year
Accounts
Annual
Report

(3) The Minister shall, not later than thirty days after the first
sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report
referred to in subparagraph (1), lay the report before the National
Assembly.
[No. 72 of 2026 807National Pension Scheme

t after receipt of the report
referred to in subparagraph (1), lay the report before the National
Assembly.
[No. 72 of 2026 807National Pension Scheme

SECOND SCHEDULE
(Section 67(2))
SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
1. (1) For the purposes of this Schedule—
“repealed fund” means the Zambia National Provident Fund
transferred to the former Scheme under the repealed Act;
“former Authority” means the National Pension Scheme
Authority established under the repealed Act; and
“former Scheme” means the National Pension Scheme
established under the repealed Act. 2. (1) A person who, before the commencement of this Act,
was an officer or employee of the former Authority shall continue
to be an officer or employee of the Authority, as if appointed or
employed under this Act. (2) The service of the persons referred to in subparagraph (1)
shall be treated as continuous service. (3) Nothing in the Act affects the rights and liabilities of any
person employed or appointed by the former Authority before the
commencement of this Act. 3. (1) A person who immediately before the commencement
of this Act held office as a member of the Board of the former
Authority shall continue to hold office until expiry of the term of
office, or removal by the Minister, after which the Minister shall
appoint members of the Board in accordance with this Act.

til expiry of the term of
office, or removal by the Minister, after which the Minister shall
appoint members of the Board in accordance with this Act.

(2) A person who immediately before the commencement of
this Act was a member of the former Scheme shall continue to be
a member of the Scheme as if registered in accordance with this
Act. 4. (1) A member who joined the former Scheme before 14th
August 2015 shall qualify for early retirement pension in accordance
with this Act, if the member has—
(a) attained the age of fifty; and
(b) made not less than one hundred and eighty monthly
contributions. (2) The amount of the pension paid on early retirement under
subparagraph (1) shall be the amount that would be payable under
section 30 (2) and 36 reduced in accordance with a prescribed
actuarial formula. 808 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Interpretation
Staff of
former
Authority
Member of
Board or
Scheme
Early
retirement
pension for
members
with accrued
rights

6] National Pension Scheme
Interpretation
Staff of
former
Authority
Member of
Board or
Scheme
Early
retirement
pension for
members
with accrued
rights

(3) An early retirement pension shall not be payable if the
amount of the pension calculated in accordance with subparagraph
(2) would be lower than the minimum pension under sections 30
(2) and 36. 5. (1) A member who joined the former Scheme before 14th
August, 2015 may claim a retirement benefit in accordance with
this Act, at any time after attaining the age of fifty-five but before
attaining the age of sixty. (2) Despite subparagraph (1), a member may elect to retire at
the retirement age provided under Section 29 of this Act. 6. The Authority may pay a one-off benefit under the repealed
Fund to a person who, before the commencement of the repealed
Act, was a member of the repealed Fund, where that person—
(a) attains a minimum age of thirty six; and
(b) made contributions to the repealed Fund. 7. A member who accessed a pre-retirement lump sum benefit
under the repealed Act shall be considered to have accessed the
pre-retirement lump sum benefit in accordance with this Act. 8.

ement lump sum benefit
under the repealed Act shall be considered to have accessed the
pre-retirement lump sum benefit in accordance with this Act. 8.

(1) A contributing employer registered under the repealed
Act, shall continue to be a contributing employer under this Act
with a unique employer account issued under the repealed Act, as
if registered and issued with a unique employer account in
accordance with this Act. (2) An application by an employer for registration as a
contributing employer pending under the repealed Act shall be
processed in accordance with this Act. 9. A contributing employer shall, in respect of contributions
incurred before 6th of December 2022, be liable to pay a penalty
equal to twenty per cent of the amount unpaid, which penalty shall
be added for each month or part thereof after the date the payment
was due. 10. (1) On or after the commencement of this Act, there shall
be transferred to, vest in and subsist against the Authority by virtue
of this Act and without further assurance, the assets, rights and
obligations which immediately before the commencement of this
Act where the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former
Authority. [No.

obligations which immediately before the commencement of this
Act where the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former
Authority. [No.

72 of 2026 809National Pension Scheme
Retirement
benefit for
members
with accrued
rights
One-off
benefit under
the repealed
Fund
Pre-
retirement
lump sum
benefit
accessed
under
repealed Act
Contributing
employer
registered
under
repealed Act
Penalties
incurred
prior to 6th
December
2022
Transfer of
assets and
liabilities

nder
repealed Act
Contributing
employer
registered
under
repealed Act
Penalties
incurred
prior to 6th
December
2022
Transfer of
assets and
liabilities

(2) Subject to subparagraph (1), every deed, bond and
agreement, other than an agreement for personnel service, to which
the former Authority was a party immediately before the
commencement of this Act whether or not of a nature that rights,
liabilities and obligations could be assigned, shall, unless its subject
matter or terms make it impossible that it should have effect as
modified, as provided under this paragraph, have effect as if—
(a) the Authority had been party to it;
(b) any reference to the former Authority there was substituted,
with respect to anything falling to be done on or after
the commencement of this Act, a reference to the
Authority; or
(c) any reference to any officer of the former Authority not
being a party to it and beneficially interested therein,
there was substituted, with respect to anything required
to be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a
reference to such officer of the Authority as the
Authority shall designate.

anything required
to be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a
reference to such officer of the Authority as the
Authority shall designate.

(3) Where under this Act, any assets, rights, liabilities and
obligations of the former Authority are considered to be transferred
to the Authority in respect of which transfer a written law provides
for registration, the Authority shall make an application, in writing,
to the appropriate registration authority for registration of the transfer. (4) The registration authority, referred to in subparagraph (3),
shall make entries in the appropriate register that shall give effect
to the transfer and, where applicable, issue to the transferee
concerned a certificate of title in respect of the property or make
necessary amendments to the register and shall endorse on the
deeds relating to the title, right or obligation concerned and no
registration fees or other duties shall be payable in respect of the
transaction. 11. (1) Any legal proceedings or application of the former
Authority pending immediately before the commencement of this
Act by or against the former Authority, may be continued by or
against the Authority.

er
Authority pending immediately before the commencement of this
Act by or against the former Authority, may be continued by or
against the Authority.

(2) After the commencement of this Act, proceedings in
respect of any right, liability or obligation which was vested in, held,
enjoyed, incurred or suffered by the former Authority, may be
instituted by or against the Authority. 810 No. 72 of 2026] National Pension Scheme
Legal
proceedings