Zambian Labour Laws & Governance

This lesson equips Zambian circular economy SMEs with the practical knowledge needed to meet labour obligations, strengthen business governance and promote ethical workplace practices. Participants will explore key provisions of Zambia’s labour legislation and understand their responsibilities as employers under the Labour Act, including requirements related to wages, working conditions and the treatment of casual and seasonal workers.

The lesson also covers the development of appropriate governance structures for growing businesses, alongside practical approaches to creating compliant employment contracts and maintaining essential HR documentation. Participants will further learn how to establish ethical business practices, including effective whistleblowing, grievance handling and workplace accountability mechanisms.

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

• Summarise key Zambian labour legislation and understand their obligations as employers.
• Promote fair wages and compliant working conditions for permanent, casual and seasonal workers.
• Establish appropriate governance structures for a growing circular economy SME.
• Develop compliant employment contracts and organised HR documentation systems.
• Apply ethical business practices, including whistleblowing and grievance-handling procedures.