Zambians Call for Freedom and a Watchdog Role for the Media

• Zambia has seen improvements in media freedom since 2021, including the repeal of criminal defamation and a new access-to-information act.
• The country's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index improved significantly, reaching 77th globally in 2026.
• New Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts, introduced in 2025, raise concerns about widespread surveillance, vague wording, and threats to digital rights and personal privacy.
• The Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) was launched in June 2025 to promote press freedom, professional standards, and accountability.
• Most Zambians expect the media to act as a government watchdog and reject state censorship, despite ongoing concerns about political interference and journalist safety.

The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka specifically cautioned that these legislative instruments grant extensive surveillance capabilities.

Zambia's media environment has undergone significant transformations since the change in government in 2021. Prior to this, the media experienced substantial political interference, including the closure of independent outlets and pressure on journalists, as noted by Amnesty International in 2016. Since 2021, however, such interference has generally diminished, fostering a more open operational space for media organizations.

Key developments signaling this shift include the reinstatement of Prime TV's broadcasting license and a February 2022 High Court ruling that declared the closure of the Post newspaper illegal. Furthermore, journalists have reported improved safety conditions. These changes are reflected in Zambia's international standing, with the country rising to 77th out of 180 nations in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, a notable improvement from its 115th position in 2021, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Legislative reforms have also contributed to this progress. The offense of criminally defaming the president has been repealed, and a new access-to-information act was adopted in 2024. These measures are designed to enhance citizens' and journalists' capacity to obtain information from public institutions, thereby strengthening governmental accountability. Despite these advancements, concerns persist regarding freedom of expression and civic space, as evidenced by the cancellation of the RightsCon 2026 summit on human rights in the digital age.

While traditional media freedoms have seen some expansion, new legal frameworks introduced in 2025, specifically the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, have raised significant concerns regarding Zambians' civil liberties and digital rights. Critics argue that these laws could jeopardize the progress made in media freedom and online communication.

The Cyber Security Act establishes a new governmental body with broad powers to intercept communications, notably without requiring judicial oversight or incorporating transparency mechanisms. The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka specifically cautioned that these legislative instruments grant extensive surveillance capabilities. Activists have voiced apprehension that the vaguely worded provisions within both acts could be exploited to restrict online speech and communication.

Furthermore, the new legislation offers limited checks on how individuals' data may be utilized, posing a threat to personal privacy. These factors collectively contribute to a growing trend of self-censorship among media practitioners and online users, impacting the free flow of information and expression in the digital sphere. Lawyers and compliance officers in Zambia must advise clients on the broad surveillance powers and potential civil liberties impacts of these new laws, assessing risks related to data privacy and online communication.

In a move to bolster media ethics and accountability, the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) was launched in June 2025. This industry-led body aims to promote press freedom, elevate professional standards, and enhance accountability within the media sector. The MSCZ provides a mechanism for the public to report ethical breaches by journalists, with a commitment to impartial investigation.

Public sentiment strongly supports a robust media. Findings from a recent Afrobarometer survey indicate that most Zambians believe the media should serve as a watchdog over the government, actively investigating and reporting on governmental errors and corruption. A significant majority of citizens reject the notion that the government should have the authority to prevent publications it disapproves of.

The survey also revealed that seven out of ten respondents perceive Zambia's media as at least "somewhat free." However, the period leading up to the hotly contested August presidential election was marked by concerns over attacks on journalists and political interference in editorial decision-making. Activists have since urged the new administration to ensure consistent protection of press freedom, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and reform.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Zambia must advise clients on the broad surveillance powers and potential civil liberties impacts of the new Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act, assessing risks related to data privacy and online communication. They should also be aware of the newly established Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia as a body for addressing media ethics and accountability.

Source: Reporting based on recent findings from various organizations.