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The Ministry of Technology and Science has taken decisive steps towards strengthening cyber security and promoting a free internet society by submitting the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Amendment Bill to the Ministry of Justice for drafting.
Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, articulated the government’s rationale behind revising the legislation during his address at the 2024 Lusaka Internet Meet-Up, organized by Bloggers of Zambia.
Speaking through Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Mutati underscored the bill’s importance in fortifying Zambia’s legal framework for cyber security.
“The Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Amendment Bill is now under review by the Ministry of Justice and is slated for evaluation by a Parliamentary Committee,” Mutati stated, emphasizing the bill’s critical role in safeguarding Zambia’s cyber space.
Mutati assured Zambians of their freedom to express themselves online, reiterating Zambia’s commitment to an inclusive internet environment that respects democratic rights.
“As a democratic nation, Zambia supports an open internet where citizens can freely share information and exercise their rights,” Mutati affirmed.
The minister also highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize service delivery across various sectors.
He said the AI’s capacity for enhancing efficiency in agriculture through predictive analytics and personalizing education through innovative learning approaches.
Richard Mulonga, Chief Executive Officer of Bloggers of Zambia, encouraged citizens to take advantage of the government’s digitization efforts, which have expanded access to online services.
Meanwhile, international stakeholders voiced their support for Zambia’s digital agenda. Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg advocated for a secure and open internet, emphasizing the protection of digital human rights.
“Human rights are universal, whether in the physical world or the cyber space, and must be safeguarded,” Hallenborg remarked.
He also announced plans for Swedish and Zambian Ambassadors to the United Nations to present a Global Digital Compact at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This initiative aims to promote internet security and advance AI technologies globally.
Matthias Reusing, Charge d’Affaires of the European Union, commended Zambia’s strides towards digitalization, highlighting the launch of a digitalization agenda in 2023 and the forthcoming establishment of a new Cyber Security Agency.
“The EU stands ready to support Zambia in achieving its digitalization goals, leveraging our expertise and resources to enhance digital infrastructure and foster a more inclusive digital economy,” Reusing affirmed.
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