Under Zambian law, the probation period depends on the employee's classification and sector. For employees in the education service, the probation periods are set out in [The African Education Act, S.6(1)]: Division I employees serve not less than two years, Division II employees serve not less than three years, and Division III employees serve not less than four years. However, the Secretary may reduce or extend these periods in particular cases after considering advice from the Teaching Service Commission.
Upon completion of the probationary period, an employee may be confirmed in their appointment by the Secretary [The African Education Act, S.7(1)]. During probation, if it appears that a probationer is unlikely to merit confirmation, the employer must warn them in writing [The African Education Act, S.7(3)]. Regional Committees and employers have a duty to ensure that consideration is given to confirmation of probationers at the appropriate time [The African Education Act, S.7(2)].
The statutes provided relate specifically to education service appointments. For probation periods in other sectors of employment, you should consult the general Employment Code Act or relevant sector-specific legislation, as these excerpts do not cover the broader employment framework.