NAPSA — the National Pension Scheme Authority — is one of the compliance certificates most frequently required when bidding on government tenders in Zambia. If you have employees, NAPSA registration is mandatory by law. If you're bidding on tenders, it's essential. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What is NAPSA?
The National Pension Scheme Authority is the government body that manages Zambia's national pension fund. NAPSA collects contributions from employers and employees, and pays out retirement, invalidity and survivors' benefits.
NAPSA registration gives you a NAPSA employer number and a compliance certificate confirming you are registered and making the required contributions for your employees.
Who Must Register with NAPSA?
Under the National Pension Scheme Act, every employer in Zambia with one or more employees must register with NAPSA. This includes sole traders, private limited companies, NGOs, and any other form of business entity that employs people.
Even if you have just one employee — including yourself if you're a director drawing a salary — you are legally required to register.
For tender purposes: even if you have no employees, many ZPPA procurement officers require a NAPSA certificate as part of the standard document pack. ZamBiz can get you registered regardless.
NAPSA Contribution Rates
NAPSA contributions are calculated as a percentage of each employee's gross salary, subject to a maximum earnings ceiling:
- Employer contribution: 5% of gross salary
- Employee contribution: 5% of gross salary (deducted from salary)
- Total: 10% of gross salary per employee
- Maximum earnings ceiling: Updated periodically by NAPSA (check napsa.org.zm for current ceiling)
Contributions must be remitted to NAPSA monthly, by the 10th of the following month.
How to Register for NAPSA
- Obtain your PACRA certificate (company must be registered first)
- Obtain your ZRA TPIN
- Complete the NAPSA Employer Registration Form (available from any NAPSA office)
- Submit with: PACRA certificate, ZRA TPIN certificate, NRC copies of directors, company profile or letterhead
- NAPSA issues your employer number and registration certificate within 1–3 business days
You can register at any NAPSA office nationwide. Major offices in Lusaka (NAPSA House, corner of Independence Avenue and Nationalist Road), Ndola, Kitwe, Livingstone and other provincial towns.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
NAPSA penalties for late or missed contributions are significant:
- Late payment penalty: 5% of the outstanding contribution per month
- Criminal liability for directors who wilfully fail to remit contributions
- Disqualification from government tenders
ZamBiz tracks your NAPSA certificate expiry and alerts you before renewal is due. Upload your certificate to your Document Vault. Go to Dashboard →
NAPSA and Government Tenders
Your NAPSA compliance certificate is one of the standard documents required when submitting a bid for a ZPPA government tender. Procurement officers check that the certificate is current and that your NAPSA number matches your registered business name.
Unlike the ZRA Tax Clearance Certificate, the NAPSA certificate does not expire on a fixed annual date — it remains valid as long as you continue making monthly contributions. However, NAPSA can issue a certificate confirming your current compliance status, and this is what tenders require.
ZamBiz Handles Your NAPSA Registration
We handle the full registration — forms, submission, follow-up — and deliver your certificate to your Document Vault. K400 via mobile money.
Register for NAPSA — K400 →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need NAPSA if I have no employees?
Legally, NAPSA is only required if you have employees. However, for tender purposes, many procurement officers require a NAPSA certificate as part of the standard document pack. Getting registered — even as a sole director — is advisable if you want to bid on government contracts.
How often must I renew my NAPSA certificate?
NAPSA registration itself doesn't expire. However, the compliance certificate confirming you are up to date with contributions may need to be refreshed periodically. ZamBiz tracks this in your Document Vault.
What is my NAPSA employer number?
Your NAPSA employer number is assigned when you register. It is the reference number you use when remitting monthly contributions and on all correspondence with NAPSA.