Zambia’s latest digital rights assessment has revealed both a setback and an opportunity for renewed progress, as the country ranked sixth among 29 African nations in the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report, published by Paradigm Initiative.
The findings, released on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, show that Zambia fell two positions in the continental ranking, moving from fourth place in the previous assessment to sixth. Its score also declined from 40 out of 60 in 2024 to 37 out of 60 in 2025.
The Londa Report, compiled by the pan-African digital rights organisation, evaluates the state of digital rights and inclusion across Central, East, North, Southern and West Africa. It examines issues ranging from internet access and online expression to privacy, cybersecurity and the protection of human rights.
South Africa and Ghana maintained their positions as the continent’s leading countries for digital rights, ranking first and second, respectively, for the second consecutive year. Namibia came third, followed by Senegal and Egypt, while Zambia secured sixth place ahead of Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi and Nigeria.
Although Zambia remains moderately compliant with international digital rights standards, its declining score highlights the need for renewed efforts to ensure that digital technology benefits more citizens without compromising their fundamental freedoms.
One major challenge identified in the report was the difficulty of expanding digital inclusion amid an acute energy crisis and high taxes affecting the telecommunications sector. Poor quality of service and barriers to access further limited progress, demonstrating how infrastructure and economic pressures can affect people’s ability to participate in the digital world.
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The report also identified concerns surrounding cybersecurity legislation containing provisions that could undermine human rights. A proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill was another development highlighted in the assessment.
However, the report recognised an important policy achievement: the government’s repeal of the law criminalising defamation of the president. The development offers a positive signal for freedom of expression and demonstrates the potential for legal reforms to strengthen democratic rights.
To build on this progress, Paradigm Initiative recommended additional reforms, including repealing laws relating to sedition and hate speech. It also called for greater transparency in the administration of the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), alongside regular reporting on how the fund is used and the progress achieved.
The assessment employed a 12-point Score Index to evaluate countries across key areas, including access to information, freedom of expression, privacy protection and digital inclusion.
For Zambia, the findings offer a clear opportunity to turn the current decline into a renewed reform agenda. Addressing energy and connectivity challenges, reviewing potentially restrictive laws and improving public accountability could help strengthen citizens’ digital rights.
While the sixth-place ranking reflects challenges that remain unresolved, the report also identifies practical areas where targeted government action could make a difference. Zambia’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the country can improve its performance and create a more accessible, secure and rights-respecting digital environment.
