Gov’t Revises Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bills After Stakeholder Consultations
The Zambian government has amended the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 (N.A.B. 29/2024) and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024 (N.A.B. 30/2024) following extensive consultations with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and media stakeholders.
Speaking at a press briefing, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Dickson Matembo, outlined the collaborative efforts undertaken to address concerns regarding the bills.
President Hakainde Hichilema had earlier deferred the bills to facilitate broader engagement with key stakeholders. As a result of the consultations, 98% of the concerns raised by civil society and press freedom advocates have been resolved. Key amendments focus on refining oversight mechanisms, streamlining reporting timelines, and balancing national security with individual freedoms.
The government established a Technical Committee comprising representatives from both government institutions and civil society, which met three times in February and March 2025. The committee deliberated on legal concerns, particularly addressing ambiguity in the initial drafting of the bills. As a result, eight clauses were amended to enhance legal clarity and safeguard human rights.
Civil society organizations, which initially criticized the bills as unconstitutional and restrictive, have now endorsed the revised legislation for resubmission to Parliament. The amendments have strengthened provisions on oversight for device interception, improved penalties and procedures, and ensured that the laws align with Zambia’s commitment to human rights and digital security.
Once enacted, the Ministry of Technology and Science and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security will launch nationwide public education campaigns to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the new laws. The government also emphasized that the laws will remain subject to periodic review to adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
Dr. Habeenzu expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance. He affirmed that future legal reforms will continue to incorporate input from all affected stakeholders.
The government has now issued a Notice of Amendments to Parliament, formally incorporating the recommendations made by civil society. Under President Hichilema’s leadership, authorities pledge to maintain open dialogue, ensuring that Zambia’s cyber laws reflect the aspirations and rights of its people in the digital era.
