The Zambian Cabinet, during its 3rd meeting on March 16, 2026, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema, approved several significant reforms aimed at fostering economic growth, improving education, and strengthening governance. A key resolution was the extension of business and operating hours to 24 hours for business houses, markets, and bus stations across the country. This strategic decision is designed to establish a 24-hour economy, which is anticipated to unlock substantial economic growth, create employment opportunities, enhance service delivery, maximize productivity, and promote competitiveness, thereby ensuring inclusive economic opportunities across all sectors.

Chief Government Spokesperson and Information and Media Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa, announced these resolutions at a media briefing in Lusaka. He emphasized that the shift towards an around-the-clock economy would necessitate more supermarkets, ordinary markets, and transport hubs to operate continuously, thereby benefiting from the extended hours and stimulating activity throughout the day and night.

In the education sector, Cabinet approved the "Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026" for publication and subsequent introduction in Parliament. This crucial Bill is set to enshrine free education into law for all children enrolled in public institutions, from early childhood through to secondary school. This legal provision will formalize and strengthen the government's existing free education policy, which, as Mr. Mweetwa noted, has already yielded positive results, including approximately 2.6 million learners returning to school, with particular benefits for vulnerable communities.

Further legislative reforms were also given the green light. Cabinet approved, in principle, the repeal of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act of 1994. The rationale for this repeal is that the current provisions are outdated and no longer align with the constitutional framework of Zambia. The proposed changes are expected to significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance structures.

Similarly, the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act is slated for repeal and replacement with updated legislation. This new legal framework aims to reinforce parliamentary independence, safeguard freedom of speech within the legislative body, and improve procedural fairness in its operations. Additionally, Cabinet backed the introduction of the Resettlement Management Bill, 2026, which will establish a robust legal framework for the effective management of resettlement schemes and ensure fair compensation for individuals affected by such processes.

These comprehensive decisions underscore the Zambian government's unwavering commitment to reforming key sectors, driving inclusive economic growth, and continually strengthening democratic institutions to improve the lives of its citizens.