The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI), in collaboration with Young Women in Action (YWA), has intensified efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in Zambia through its Claim Your Space project. The initiative, supported by Global Fokus and the Danish Minorities Center for Human Rights & Development, comes at a critical time as the recently assented cyber laws raise alarm over digital rights and free speech.

Grassroots Mobilization Across Provinces

The FPI and YWA have conducted a series of provincial forums, engaging communities in Kitwe (Copperbelt), Kalomo (Southern Province), and Chipata (Eastern Province). These meetings brought together journalists, activists, and civil society representatives to discuss the shrinking space for free expression, particularly under the new cyber laws. Participants highlighted concerns over vague provisions that could criminalize dissent and suppress critical voices.

In Chipata, the dialogue included perspectives from Disability Rights Watch (DRW), emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that protect marginalized groups. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between online safety and free speech, with calls for laws that uphold constitutional rights without enabling government overreach.

High-Level Engagement with Parliamentarians

As part of our campaign, a parliamentary roundtable in Lusaka was held for members of the Parliamentary Committee on Media and the Youth Parliamentary Caucus. Key issues raised included the lack of human rights safeguards in the new cyber laws and their potential to stifle democratic discourse.

Members of Parliament, including Raphael Mabenga, Christopher Kang’ombe, Twaambo Mutinta, and Sydney Mushanga, acknowledged the need for broader stakeholder consultation in the lawmaking process.

Digital Rights Under Threat

With the new cyber laws in place, fears over its misuse to target critics, activists, and journalists have heightened. Bloggers of Zambia and Chapter One Foundation, key partners in the Claim Your Space project, warned that the laws’ broad definitions of offenses could lead to arbitrary arrests and censorship.

The project continues to empower citizens through digital literacy programs, teaching Zambians how to navigate online spaces safely while exercising their right to free expression. Advocacy efforts also focus on pushing back surveillance overreach and ensuring accountability in the law’s implementation.
The FPI, YWA, and partners urge Zambians to remain vigilant as the new cyber laws take effect.
Citizens are encouraged to:
• Stay informed about their digital rights
• Challenge oppressive enforcement of cyber laws
• Participate in civic dialogues to defend democratic freedoms

The Claim Your Space project will remain at the forefront of defending people’s rights, ensuring that every voice—online and offline—can speak freely without fear.