For most people, retirement is something they know is coming but few ever feel truly ready for. At the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), that reality is changing.
In a groundbreaking move, the NPA has introduced a Pre-Retirement Preparedness Program aimed at helping employees plan for life beyond the office, not just financially, but emotionally, socially, and mentally. This initiative is not about winding down; it’s about gearing up for a meaningful next chapter.
The first group to benefit from this thoughtful intervention was a cohort of 20 officers aged 53 and 54, drawn from various provinces including Lusaka, Western, Copperbelt, Luapula, Central, North-Western, and Southern. These officers are due to retire in 2026 and 2027, but for once, the transition will not come as a shock.
Working closely with Future Search, a division under the Public Service Management Division (PSMD), the NPA curated a training program that goes beyond technicalities. Officers participated in sessions on mindset transformation, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and developing viable post-retirement business ideas.
Participants described the program as “enlightening” and “transformative” – with some even calling for more time to go deeper into the issues covered.
The highlight for many came at Kuzipa Campsite, where the team embarked on a wellness retreat tailoured to help them reflect, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and each other. The experience included guided conversations on:
- Mental preparation for life beyond work;
- Peer support and social reconnection;
- Wellness and lifestyle planning;
- Leaving a legacy and embracing a new identity.
It was a gentle but powerful reminder that retirement is not just about pensions but it is about people. Importantly, this is not a one-off event. The facilitators have committed to continue supporting the officers for up to three months post-retirement, offering mentourship and helping them explore entrepreneurial paths.
At the same time, NPA management is working on establishing mental wellness partnerships to provide professional psychological support throughout the transition period. It is a bold step forward in putting employee wellbeing at the centre of institutional planning.
While this was just the first group, it represents a new culture within the NPA – one that honours public servants not only for their years of work but for the full lives they go on to live after service.
Only 20 officers participated this round, largely due to budget constraints – but the vision is to institutionalise pre-retirement training as a standard offering for all officers nearing retirement.
“I’ve always imagined retirement as a lonely road. But now, I know it can be a new beginning.” – Participant
At the National Prosecution Authority, preparing for retirement is viewed as an integral part of honouring a career in public service. It is not merely about facilitating an exit, but about supporting a meaningful transition into a new phase of life.
