Lusaka: It has been almost three months since Zambia’s president, Hakainde Hichilema, signed the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts of 2025 into law. His supporters have hailed the laws as progressive measures aimed at combating digital crimes and enhancing national security. However, rights groups argue that the laws, especially the Cyber Crimes Act, are undemocratic and suppress freedom of expression and speech.
According to Deutsche Welle, Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated that the legislation is designed to protect citizens online and not to infringe upon fundamental freedoms. He emphasized that misconceptions regarding the laws being used to intrude on personal details are incorrect and that the government’s intention is not to intercept private communications. Oliver Shalala Sepiso, a media consultant for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), echoed these sentiments, asserting that the laws focus on digital or data protection rather than citizen surveillance.
Despite the intentions behind the laws to protect against digital crimes and identity theft, their introduction on April 8 was met with surprisingly little fanfare. Media coverage was minimal, and many Zambians only became aware of the new rules through an alert issued by the United States embassy in Lusaka. Richard Mulonga, CEO of Bloggers of Zambia, pointed out that while the laws are necessary to combat rampant cybercrimes, certain provisions could potentially restrict free expression and broader digital rights.
Lungisani Zulu, President of the Law Association of Zambia, announced plans to challenge the new law in court, citing numerous provisions that infringe upon citizens’ rights and freedoms, hinder a free press, and potentially undermine democracy. The new laws replace the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021, under which Zambia police previously arrested individuals for circulating satirical content deemed abusive and defamatory.
Contentious provisions of the new laws include criminalizing so-called false information and vague definitions of indecent content, which lack protections for journalists reporting on sensitive issues. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) reported that the law has negatively impacted journalists, leading to increased self-censorship and concerns over investigative journalism.
Tech-savvy young Zambians have mixed reactions to the new cyber laws. Some, like Kellys Mushota from the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, observe a decrease in online harassment but also a reduction in free expression on governance and politics. Others, like Joshua Seke, express concerns over privacy and government surveillance of private conversations. Meanwhile, Lusaka resident Mary Ndau believes the laws will curb online abuse and promote responsible online behavior.
Interestingly, President Hichilema, who once criticized cyber laws as tools of government surveillance while in opposition, has now enacted stricter cybersecurity laws. This move aligns with a trend observed by the West Africa Media Foundation, which reports a rise in restrictive cyber laws across the continent, impacting freedom of expression and privacy in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and others.