Public Holidays in Zambia 2026
19 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Zambia's calendar combines Christian holidays, liberation history and several Monday civic holidays.
Zambia Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | International Women's Day |
| Mar 9 | Monday | Women's Day Observed |
| Mar 12 | Thursday | Youth Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 4 | Saturday | Holy Saturday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 28 | Tuesday | Kenneth Kaunda Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Freedom Day |
| Jul 6 | Monday | Heroes' Day |
| Jul 7 | Tuesday | Unity Day |
| Aug 3 | Monday | Farmers' Day |
| Aug 13 | Thursday | General Election Day Holiday One-off |
| Sep 1 | Tuesday | Presidential Swearing-in Public Holiday One-off |
| Oct 18 | Sunday | National Day of Prayer |
| Oct 19 | Monday | Prayer Day Observed |
| Oct 24 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
* 2027 observed dates should be confirmed against final government notices; the 2026 election holiday is one-off.
One-Off 2026 Election Holiday 2026
The Cabinet Office confirmed 13 August 2026 as a public holiday for the general election. It later declared Tuesday 1 September 2026 a public holiday for the presidential and vice-presidential swearing-in ceremony. Both are one-off 2026 dates.
Holiday Rules in Zambia
Weekend observed days follow the Public Holidays Act and government notices.
Zambia Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Independence Day is 24 October.
- Africa Freedom Day is 25 May.
- 2026 includes a one-off election holiday on 13 August.
- Farmers' Day is the first Monday in August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 13 August only in 2026?
The government declared 13 August a public holiday for the general election. A separate one-off public holiday was later declared for 1 September for the swearing-in ceremony.
When is Independence Day?
24 October.
When is Farmers' Day?
The first Monday in August.
Why is the 2027 observed Independence date provisional?
It should be confirmed against the final government calendar.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official Cabinet Office declaration of Tuesday 1 September 2026 as a public holiday for the swearing-in ceremony.