02/10/2026
DR. NELLY MUTTI'S SPEAKERSHIP DEFINED BY LANDMARK REFORMS
By James Sakala
Oct-02-2026
As the 14th National Assembly prepares to elect its Speaker, the record of Rt. Hon. Dr. Nelly B.K. Mutti provides a substantial basis for considering continuity in parliamentary leadership.
Elected on 3 September 2021 as Zambia’s first female Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Mutti has presided over the 13th National Assembly during a period marked by significant legislative, institutional and constitutional developments.
Under her stewardship, Parliament considered and enacted reforms touching on education, human rights, transparency, social protection, digital security, pensions and national development, reflecting the wide-ranging responsibilities carried by the House.
One of the major policy developments during this period was the introduction of free education in 2022, which removed tuition fees in public schools and expanded access to education for thousands of Zambian children.
Parliament also abolished the death penalty through amendments to the Penal Code, while the enactment of the Access to Information Act of 2023 established a statutory framework for citizens to access information held by public institutions.
Other legislative developments included reforms affecting pension benefits, digital security and constitutional representation, demonstrating the breadth of parliamentary business undertaken during Dr. Mutti’s tenure.
Beyond legislation, her tenure has also been characterised by parliamentary diplomacy, stakeholder engagement and participation in international parliamentary forums addressing democracy, peace, governance and development.
The accumulated experience of presiding over such extensive parliamentary business gives Dr. Mutti institutional knowledge that can be relevant as the new National Assembly begins its work and takes on fresh legislative responsibilities.