Zambia Ramps Up Cybersecurity Efforts with Military Collaboration

In a strategic move to enhance Zambia‘s national cybersecurity, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has deepened its partnership with the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF). The objective of this collaboration is to address the growing wave of cyber threats linked to the country’s accelerating digital transformation.

Key discussions happened between ZICTA Director General Collins Mbulo and Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele. The two leaders explored strategies to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure. “There is a need for the two institutions to proactively work together in fighting towards a common goal of preserving national security,” Zyeele emphasized during the meeting.

Mbulo also engaged with Zambia Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Oscar Msitu Nyoni to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges. “With the coming of digital transformation, many challenges are coming into cyberspace, hence the need for digital and cyber security,” Mbulo stated.

While the partnership aims to secure Zambia’s digital landscape, it has sparked criticism from the main opposition party, the Patriotic Front. The party accuses ZICTA of overstepping its regulatory boundaries and claims that the country’s cybercrime laws are being exploited to silence opposition voices and bloggers.

The Patriotic Front has taken its grievances to the international arena, petitioning the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The party alleges that Zambia’s cyber laws are being weaponized to suppress dissent, raising concerns about potential infringements on freedom of expression.

As Zambia navigates the complexities of digital security, the balance between safeguarding national interests and upholding democratic freedoms remains a topic of intense debate. The main opposition party, the Patriotic Front, has raised concerns over ZICTA’s regulatory approach, accusing the agency of overstepping its mandate. The party claims that authorities are using cyber-crime laws to suppress bloggers and opposition voices. This could weaken public opinion.