GOVERNMENT has approved the extension of business and operating hours to 24 hours for business premises, markets and bus stations.
This will allow businesses, markets and bus stations to operate round-the-clock to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve service delivery.
Cabinet also 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.
Speaking in Lusaka today, Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa said that the decision was made during the Third Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema on March 16, 2026.
Mweetwa said the move shows government’s unwavering commitment to boosting productivity.
“The meeting also approved key legislative reforms, including the Education (Amendment) Bill of 2026, aimed at entrenching free education from early childhood to secondary level,” he said.
Mweetwa further revealed that 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.
He added that the Resettlement Management Bill of 2026, was approved to provide a legal framework for managing resettlement schemes and compensating affected persons, while promoting sustainable development.
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 Sanfrossa Mberi
Kalemba March 17, 2026
