Zambia Employment Guide

Zambia Employment Guide

Zambia, located in Southern Africa, has a population of around 19 million. Its economy is driven by mining (especially copper), agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Employment in Zambia is governed by the Employment Act, which sets out rules for contracts, working hours, overtime, leave entitlements, termination, and employee protections. Employers must comply with social security and tax obligations, and labor laws ensure non-discrimination, workplace safety, and fair treatment. Foreign workers require appropriate work permits to be employed legally.

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Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

Capital

Lusaka

Official language

English

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Zambia

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Paid Time Off Policy for Employees in Zambia

Full-time team members at SailGlobal are entitled to 24 working days of paid time off annually. This PTO benefit accrues at a rate of 2 days per month of service. Eligibility for taking leave begins after completing 6 months of continuous employment. Part-time employees receive pro-rated PTO based on their monthly working hours, ensuring equitable treatment across different employment arrangements.

Zambian Public Holidays: A Comprehensive Overview

Zambia observes 11 national public holidays throughout the year. These statutory holidays include:

  • New Year's Day
  • Youth Day
  • Good Friday
  • Holy Saturday
  • Labour Day
  • Africa Freedom Day
  • Heroes' Day
  • Unity Day
  • Farmers' Day
  • Independence Day
  • Christmas Day

When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes the observed holiday. This practice ensures employees receive their full entitlement of public holiday benefits regardless of weekend scheduling.

Best Practices for Managing Leave Policies

Effective leave management requires clear communication and proper planning. Companies like SailGlobal implement digital tracking systems to monitor accruals and ensure compliance with Zambian labor regulations. Regular policy reviews help maintain competitive benefits packages that support employee wellbeing while meeting business operational needs.

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