Zambia Strengthens Cybersecurity Through Collaboration with ITU
The Zambian government has reiterated its commitment to bolstering cybersecurity by equipping prosecutors and law enforcement agencies with advanced skills in cybercrime detection, electronic evidence handling, and threat prediction.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati, speaking through Milner Makuni, Director of Communication and Digital Technologies, highlighted the importance of addressing the nation’s rising cybercrime rates during a cybersecurity and data privacy workshop held in Lusaka.
The workshop, facilitated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with ZICTA, is part of an initiative to upskill and re-skill stakeholders in advanced digital forensic and cybersecurity techniques.
“Cybercrime poses significant threats to our security and economy, with over 100,000 incidents recorded in 2022 alone. This upward trend necessitates robust and continuous capacity building,” said Mr. Mutati.
The Minister emphasized leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for threat detection and predictive analysis, tools he described as essential for combating modern cybercrime. He also highlighted ongoing revisions to the 2021 Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes Act to ensure stronger legal frameworks.
In her remarks, ITU representative Annrita Ssemboga commended Zambia’s leadership in the Global Digital Compact, a UN-backed initiative for inclusive and sustainable digital development.
ZICTA’s Acting Director General, Eng. Collins Mbulo, underscored the urgent need for collaboration across regulatory, judicial, and enforcement bodies to address the growing complexity of digital crimes.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Nkumbiza Mumba applauded ZICTA’s continuous training programs, which have been pivotal in solving complex financial and electronic crime investigations.
