71. In promulgating the statutory instrument to extend pension coverage for the informal sector, there was recognition that the informal economy workers are normally excluded from mandatory coverage under pension schemes because these schemes conventionally are designed to address the social protection needs of the working population with a formal employment relationship, established through a written contract and providing for regular and predictable income. See, Jairous Joseph Miti, Mikko Perkiö, Anna Metteri and Salla Atkin, Pension coverage extension as social innovation in Zambia: Informal economy workers’ perceptions and needs (2021) Tampere University, Finland.1 Advisedly, our Parliament may wish to borrow a leaf from this arrangement. 72. Currently, in Malawi, the Minister responsible for finance has exempted domestic workers from the ‘mandatory occupational pension scheme’ due the unique nature of domestic work. However, domestic workers can still be on pension. 73. This is because under the Pension Act: - a) any class or category of employees can become a member of a pension scheme and voluntarily save for retirement in a voluntary pension scheme – section 15 of the Pension Act; and 1 Jairous Joseph Miti, Mikko Perkiö, Anna Metteri, Salla Atkins, Implementing a Public Policy to Extend Social Security to Informal Economy Workers in Zambia, Forum for Development Studies, 10.1080/08039410.2023.2209583, 50, 3, (425-443), (2023). Page 27 of 45