Government has approved the introduction of a 24-hour economy, allowing businesses, markets and bus stations to operate round-the-clock to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve service delivery.
Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa says the decision was made during the Third Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema on March 16, 2026, underscoring Government’s commitment to boosting productivity and inclusive opportunities, though implementation details are yet to be announced.
Cabinet noted that supermarkets, markets and bus stations are expected to transition to 24-hour operations.
The meeting also approved key legislative reforms, including the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at entrenching free education from early childhood to secondary level, a policy that has already returned over 2.6 million learners to school.
Cabinet further approved in principle the repeal of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act and the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, to replace them with updated laws that enhance transparency, accountability and parliamentary integrity.
Additionally, the Resettlement Management Bill, 2026, was approved to provide a legal framework for managing resettlement schemes and compensating affected persons, while promoting sustainable development.
Cabinet also approved 38 Bills to amend laws governing appointments to Boards and Committees, aimed at increasing private sector participation and promoting gender balance, youth inclusion and representation of persons with disabilities.
On the international front, Cabinet approved the ratification of the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter of 2010 to strengthen regional integration and position Zambia as a logistics hub, as well as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Social Protection and Social Security to enhance social protection systems.
Meanwhile, Zambia will host the Eighth Board Meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage from April 22–24, 2026, in Livingstone.
Cabinet also resolved to establish public universities in Eastern, Luapula, Northern, Southern and Western Provinces, in addition to North-Western Province, to expand access to higher education.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
