Public Holidays in Zambia for 2024

A public holiday is a legal holiday for schools and jobs in a particular country. Each country has its own unique list of holidays that are observed every year. These dates are not set in stone and are subject to change annually. 

You will find the list of public holidays in Zambia for 2024 below:

Public holidays and pay in Zambia 2024

According to the employment code of Zambia (division 3.2, section 35, clause 1), employees are entitled to a paid holiday under the Public Holidays Act, if the Minister designates one by statutory instrument. If an employee misses work on the day before or following a public holiday without permission from their employer or a good reason, they will not be compensated for the missed labor. Additionally, it is normal for an employee or class of employees to work on a day designated to be a paid public holiday. An employee or class of employees shall be entitled to payment of wages at the rate that may be agreed upon under a collective agreement, contract of employment, or as prescribed if they choose to do so. 

Public holidays and leave in Zambia 2024

An employee is entitled to a holiday with full pay after six months of continuous employment, calculated as two days for every month of service. Public holidays are not counted as these two days of leave. Furthermore, if any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is transferred to the following day. This year, Kenneth Kaunda’s Birthday, which falls on 28th April, is on a Sunday and hence Zambia will receive a public holiday on 29th April to celebrate the birthday of the former president.