PAYZ Supports Presidential Call for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures in Zambia
The Payments Association of Zambia (PAYZ) has urged stronger cybersecurity measures to counter the rapid rise in mobile money scams, warning that cyber fraud threatens citizen security, undermines trust in financial services, and risks Zambia’s progress in financial inclusion.
The statement follows concerns raised by President Hakainde Hichilema, conveyed through Agriculture Minister Hon. Mtolo Phiri, at the recent Ukusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony.
PAYZ Chief Executive Officer, Robert Phiri, highlighted low digital literacy as a major driver of cybercrime, particularly in rural areas but also among urban users. Many victims are targeted after voluntarily sharing personal information, such as phone numbers, on social media in exchange for talk-time prizes or giveaways.
“The sad reality is that many Zambians are unknowingly giving scammers the tools to defraud them. A phone number might seem harmless, but in the wrong hands it can be the key that opens the door to your finances,” Mr Phiri said.
In response, PAYZ and its member organisations have launched nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens on safeguarding personal data. The Association called for greater collaboration among regulators, service providers, civil society, and government, emphasising the need for messaging that is age-appropriate, language-inclusive, and tailored to different communities.
PAYZ commended the efforts of institutions such as the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
These organisations, together with law enforcement, have made progress in identifying and apprehending sophisticated fraud networks.
A key milestone in the fight against cybercrime is the Bank of Zambia’s establishment of the Financial Sector Computer Incident Response Team (FinCSIRT), the first of its kind in Zambia, which will enhance the detection, review, and resolution of cyber incidents.
Mr Phiri stressed: “No single organisation can win this fight alone. It will take a united front with government regulators, industry players, and citizens, to outpace the criminals and protect Zambia’s digital economy.”
PAYZ is also urging the government to enforce tougher penalties under the Cyber Crimes Act and Cybersecurity Act of 2025, and to collaborate with the African Union to trace and prosecute cross-border cybercriminals.
The Association represents Zambia’s payments sector, including banks, fintechs, mobile money operators, and payment service providers, promoting safe, secure, and inclusive digital financial services.
