CSPR RAISES CONCERNS OVER 24-HOUR ECONOMY, URGES STRONG SAFEGUARDS FOR VULNERABLE WORKERS
The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has expressed concern that Zambia’s newly approved 24-hour economy could harm vulnerable citizens if implemented without strong legal protections, clear guidelines, and adequate infrastructure.
CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai says that while extending business and operating hours has the potential to boost productivity, competitiveness, and economic inclusion, the policy risks worsening conditions for informal sector workers, women traders, youths, and rural communities who already face economic hardship.
Ms. Mukelabai has noted that Zambia’s poverty levels remain high, with the 2022 Living Conditions Monitoring Survey indicating that overall poverty rose to 60 per cent. Rural poverty stands at 78.8 per cent, while urban poverty is at 31.9 per cent.
She has stated that although the policy could benefit small traders and marketeers through extended trading hours, the absence of an implementation framework raises serious concerns about worker exploitation, weak labour protections, and lack of social security safeguards.
Drawing lessons from international experiences, the organisation observes that countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have benefited from night-time economies due to reliable electricity, strong transport systems, high consumer demand, and robust regulatory frameworks—conditions Zambia has yet to fully meet.
CSPR has further warned that without strict enforcement of labour laws, the policy could encourage precarious employment characterised by temporary contracts, lack of benefits, unpaid overtime, and absence of pension coverage.
The organisation has since called on the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to urgently strengthen regulatory oversight, ensure enforcement of overtime and night-shift allowances, and extend labour protections to informal sector workers such as market traders and bus station vendors.
She further urged the government to review minimum wages to reflect the additional costs associated with night work, including transport and security.
Despite its concerns, CSPR supports the principle of extended commercial hours, noting that the policy is voluntary and could create additional income opportunities if implemented responsibly and supported by strong safeguards.
By Rachel Mumba
