The US Embassy in Lusaka has issued an urgent warning to American citizens about Zambia’s newly enacted cybersecurity legislation, calling the law “intrusive” and advising travelers to reconsider digital activities in the country.
The alert specifically references provisions allowing Zambian authorities to intercept calls, emails, texts, and streaming content under broad definitions of “critical information” – a term critics say could encompass nearly all online activity.
Zambia Defends Controversial Cyber Law Amid Global Privacy Concerns
Zambia’s Foreign Ministry responded to the US advisory by insisting the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act requires court-issued warrants for surveillance and targets only national security threats.
However, legal experts note the law grants sweeping powers, including allowing police with warrants to raid premises and seize devices, while mandating ICT companies to proactively monitor communications. President Hakainde Hichilema quietly signed the bill on April 8 with minimal public debate until the US Embassy’s Facebook post brought it to national attention.
With Zambia’s 2026 elections approaching, opposition figures and activists warn the law could criminalize criticism of the administration.
Notably, President Hichilema had opposed similar legislation in 2021 while in opposition, calling it “about spying on citizens.” Opposition MP Miles Sampa has accused the president of hypocrisy, suggesting the law effectively bans free expression on platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and TikTok through draconian penalties of 5-15 years imprisonment.
The warning strains the generally warm relations between the Hichilema administration and the US, coming weeks after the American ambassador criticized Zambian corruption.
Civil rights activist Laura Miti called the US position “hypocritical” given Washington’s own surveillance history, though she simultaneously condemned Zambia’s law as “tyrannical.” The controversy echoes 2019 tensions when Zambia expelled a US ambassador over LGBTQ rights, though relations improved after Hichilema’s 2021 election.
What the Cybersecurity Law Means for Travelers and Businesses
American expats and tourists now face difficult choices regarding digital communications in Zambia. The law’s provisions on data interception apply equally to foreigners, with extradition possible for certain cyber offenses.
The US Embassy specifically advises citizens to “carefully assess the implications” before using Zambian networks for sensitive communications. Meanwhile, tech companies operating in Zambia must now build surveillance capabilities into their systems per the new requirements.
The Global Implications of Zambia’s Digital Surveillance Shift
As one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital economies, Zambia’s move toward enhanced cyber monitoring sets a concerning precedent for internet freedom on the continent.
The law’s vague terminology around “critical information” and harsh penalties gives room for uncertainty for journalists, businesses, and ordinary citizens alike.
