A Digital Shield, Not a Sword: Understanding Zambia’s Cyber Law Beyond the Noise
By Moses Joski Tembo
“The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is not about silencing citizens but protecting them. It does not empower mass surveillance; it enforces legal accountability. It does not hinder freedom; it defends it in a space that, until now, has remained dangerously unregulated.
Zambia is not walking backward but building digital resilience for its people, businesses, and democracy. So let’s rise above sensationalism and embrace responsibility. Your freedom is still intact. Your rights are still protected. And now, your digital space is finally defended.”
As Zambia steps confidently into a new era of digital advancement, the recently enacted Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act has become the subject of intense public debate, some of it misinformed, much of it politicized. While online narratives have painted the law as a tool for surveillance, the Government has issued a precise and measured response to restore factual clarity and public confidence.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation states, “The Cyber Security law is not designed to infringe on the privacy of Zambian citizens or international visitors. It is intended to secure the country’s digital environment, enabling safety and innovation to thrive side by side.” This statement is more than a diplomatic reassurance; it reflects a carefully constructed legal framework to protect Zambians from growing online threats without compromising their constitutional freedoms.
At the heart of the law lies a strong commitment to due process. A court must authorize communication interception, leaving no room for arbitrary or unchecked surveillance. Sections 36 and 37 of the Act explicitly reinforce these protections, safeguarding privileged communications and prohibiting random monitoring. These provisions are not token gestures; they are legal guarantees that uphold the sanctity of privacy in a digital age.
The law further aligns with international standards of digital rights. It was drafted to address global best practices and incorporate mechanisms for accountability. Citizens who feel aggrieved by the misuse of the law have access to legal remedies, ensuring transparency and redress. The classification of “critical information,” often misunderstood, is clearly defined within national security protocols and applied only by authorised institutions under legal oversight.
Understanding the Act also requires acknowledging its practical benefits. Zambia, like many other countries, faces escalating cyber threats, from online child exploitation to phishing scams, identity theft, and cross-border digital crime. This law equips law enforcement with modern tools to respond to these challenges effectively and lawfully. Highly trained digital specialists, operating under court directives, will be able to track and dismantle cybercrime networks that exploit gaps in the current legal framework.
Moreover, the Act extends national protection into the digital realm. It reinforces Zambia’s ability to defend its citizens and institutions against cyber incursions, much like the military defends territorial borders. In doing so, it offers continuity of security in a landscape that has evolved far beyond the physical.
For the Zambian public, the question is not whether we need laws in the digital space but whether we are willing to allow criminals, extremists, and foreign actors to exploit our vulnerabilities unchecked. This legislation is not a retreat from freedom but a shield for progress, designed to preserve liberty and safety.
As the government moves forward with implementation, the call is for dialogue rooted in facts, not fear. The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act represents a nation adapting to the realities of the 21st century. It is determined to grow, innovate, and defend its people online with the same strength it does on land, air, and sea.
As I conclude, my fellow Zambians, let us develop the discipline to read, research, and genuinely understand before we react. In a digital age, misinformation is as dangerous as cybercrime itself. Let us not be swayed by those who weaponize public sentiment simply because they carry political grievances. There is a time for politicking, and there is a time for serious national reflection, and this moment demands the latter.
The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is not about silencing citizens but protecting them. It does not empower mass surveillance; it enforces legal accountability. It does not hinder freedom; it defends it in a space that, until now, has remained dangerously unregulated.
Zambia is not walking backward but building digital resilience for its people, businesses, and democracy. So let’s rise above sensationalism and embrace responsibility. Your freedom is still intact. Your rights are still protected. And now, your digital space is finally defended.
#CyberSafeZambia #KnowTheLaw #ProtectZambiaOnline #DigitalJustice #CyberShield #ZambiaSecured
Ababena chiwelewele. Kuti wasapota ifyabupuba umusango uyu? What protection? You tell that the all entire world don’t know how to protect their people only HH and Jack Mwimbu knows? Taking away people’s rights and freedoms is not protecting anything but mistreating them. Give examples of what you have experienced digitally that makes you think this is necessary and will advance our democracy and freedoms. Kwena ulichisoso.
Ka HH Nafilwa
I have seen a group of internet scammers led by chinese nationals arrested by use of the current cyber laws in Zambia.Many Zambians have fallen prey to such cyber criminals including your mother
Please tell us what rights and freedoms have been taken by the Cyber law?Insulting and framing others? Will the new Cyber law prohibit you from eating ,going to the gym, having sex or meeting your friends at a drinking club?
Think before you talk.
This is a very progressive piece of legislation. I support it with all my conscience. A government digital army can now be established to deal with digital threats and crime.
Not supported at all
Understand what the GRZ says it’s for and what it is actually for are worlds apart
just look at all we’ve been told to date and actually what’s come about
Loadshedding Dual Carriage way good examples
Failure all over. If in doubt check the economic stats ever since you took over. Promises made voluntarily, delivery zero
Instead of sorting out the economy which is on its knees ever since UPND took over. People are still waiting for the K50 mealie meal, K250 fertiliser, K12 fuel and the exchange rate to come down, only to receive a cyber security law which they were not even promised
It’s government responsibility to sort out the economy and also to fight crime. Why should crimes committed in cyberspace be beyond the reach of the long arm of the law?
Government is about putting in place appropriate legislation and policies for development. The role of Government is not about faking the economy, dishing out hand outs or heavily subsidizing some commodities. Remember the economy can not be faked or improved by pronouncements. Remember how Mwanawasa and Magande sorted out the economy from MMD mess. Sacrifices had to be made. I think we should also be serious in finding out what happened to the Euro bonds.
Perceived crime – this is what happens when people are scared of fear. Ukutina umwenso, kuyopa mantha. Sort out economy first
We were told sworn in at 10hrs and kwacha to dollar picks at 14hrs, and we should now be told about sacrifices of Mwanawasa. Did Zambians even ask for subsidies when they were promised things, don’t put words in our mouths, just start working or just attempt to start working. As Wynter has said yours is a run away economy and don’t dare blame others for your incompetency
Just start working, you don’t have time. Vima excuse mbwe.
Remove your head from the sand and see how they are working.Vima complaints vabupuba mbwe.
When we were in opposition we said such was draconian. Today we bring the same thing. And for us who are your cadres on the ground, you are making people loose trust in us. Don’t listen to non objective people on these blogs who will mislead you that you are doing the right thing, listen to us the genuine footsoldiers. The cry on the ground for now which is very loud is the issue of the economy which is battered and in bad shape and worse still, worse than our friends left it, that should be our real focus. Not even free education emancipates us from the wrath of the voters as at now.
Why are business entities worried and are thinking now? Is UNIP era?
Complete failed project this one. Can’t they invoke the resignation clause and pyamo on their own instead of waiting for 2026. I love you Sir but I can’t defend your clear and lamentable failure
millions are thinking the same
Our freedom is not still intact. Now the state can use dreamt up pretences to ask for data on who posted what on Lusaka Times. They can intrude into any media under the pretext they are protecting Zambias security. It is just too draconian! Only those in government and who support UPND will support this foolish law. “The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is exactly about silencing citizens! Legal accountability is already defined in our over controlling Defamation laws!
Shield from what ???