Zambia to Host 3,000 Global Delegates for RightsCon 2026
Zambia will host RightsCon 2026, the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation and international engagement.
The Director of RightsCon, Nikki Gladstone, accompanied by key stakeholders, paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Brilliant Habeenzu, to discuss preparations for the global conference.
Convened by Access Now, RightsCon brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, media, international institutions, and philanthropic organisations to address human rights challenges and opportunities in the digital era. The 2026 edition is expected to attract approximately 3,000 participants from 150 countries, featuring more than 500 sessions.
The conference will take place from 5 to 8 May 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The Ministry of Technology and Science will serve as the primary Government partner, while Bloggers of Zambia will act as the principal civil society partner.
Speaking during the meeting, Eng. Dr. Habeenzu welcomed the hosting of RightsCon in Zambia, noting that it aligns with the country’s development priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan, which places economic transformation and job creation at its core.
He said large-scale international conferences contribute significantly to tourism growth and enhance Zambia’s global visibility.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted Government measures aimed at improving the ease of travel and attracting international events, including the removal of certain visa barriers to promote tourism and business engagement.
He also underscored the importance of a secure and enabling digital environment, referencing Zambia’s ongoing cybersecurity reforms designed to build trust, reduce cyber fraud, and protect digital users.
He reported notable progress in Zambia’s cybersecurity standing, with the country’s cybersecurity index improving from 68.8 per cent to 92.6 per cent. This, he said, has strengthened public confidence in digital platforms, particularly mobile money services. The number of mobile money agents has increased from about 133,000 to over 550,000, while sector revenue grew from approximately ZMW 540 million to ZMW 11.6 billion in 2024.
The ICT sector contributed 1.8 percentage points to Zambia’s 4 per cent economic growth, positioning it as a key driver of resilience even during periods of drought and power shortages.
Eng. Dr. Habeenzu emphasised the need to balance freedom of expression with responsible digital conduct, stating that digital rights must be exercised without infringing on the rights of others.
He expressed optimism that RightsCon 2026 would foster constructive dialogue on digital rights, responsible online engagement, and the role of technology in inclusive economic growth, while addressing risks such as misinformation and online division.
Ms Gladstone outlined ongoing preparations, including venue walkthroughs and coordination meetings with Government ministries. She said a comprehensive Government briefing is planned to align stakeholders on logistics, transportation, health services, and overall event readiness.
Engagements with embassies, the UN House, UN agencies, telecommunications companies, and private sector partners are also planned to ensure strong Zambian participation and cross-sector collaboration.
RightsCon 2026 presents a significant opportunity for Zambia to showcase its progress in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and inclusive development, while positioning the country as a regional leader in digital rights and innovation.
Both the Government of Zambia and RightsCon organisers reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure the successful hosting of the conference, which is expected to contribute to economic growth, tourism development, and the national digital inclusion agenda.
