Freedom of Expression Concerns Rise in Zambia Despite Legal Reforms, 2025 Reports Indicate

In a concerning development, Zambia’s freedom of expression landscape has deteriorated significantly in 2025, despite some legislative improvements that initially promised greater openness, according to multiple human rights and press freedom watchdogs.

The southern African nation has experienced what observers describe as a “troubling regression” in free speech protections, even as the government touts its passage of the long-awaited Access to Information law, which had been stalled for over two decades under previous administrations.

Media analysts point to a widening gap between the government’s public commitments to press freedom and the reality facing journalists and citizens on the ground. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) documented 47 cases of journalist harassment in the first half of 2025 alone, representing a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

“What we’re witnessing is a sophisticated form of censorship,” explained Muleya Mwanawasa, a Lusaka-based media rights advocate. “The government passes progressive legislation with one hand while systematically undermining independent voices with the other.”

The deteriorating situation comes at a critical juncture for Zambia’s economy, which has struggled with mounting debt challenges and fluctuating copper prices. Copper, the country’s primary export commodity, has faced volatile market conditions, further complicating the nation’s economic outlook.

International investors have expressed growing concern about the contradiction between Zambia’s stated commitment to transparency and its treatment of critics. The European Union recently issued a statement urging Zambian authorities to “ensure that freedom of expression is not only protected in law but consistently respected in practice.”

Digital rights have emerged as a particularly contentious battleground. The government has implemented what it calls “cybersecurity measures,” but critics view these as thinly disguised surveillance tools targeting opposition figures and independent journalists. Internet shutdowns have occurred during politically sensitive periods, including during protests against proposed mining tax reforms.

“The pattern is clear,” said Thomas Zgambo of the Digital Rights Coalition of Zambia. “When critical voices gain traction online, especially regarding corruption allegations or economic mismanagement, we see either targeted internet slowdowns or aggressive enforcement of the cybercrime laws.”

Local media outlets face mounting pressure through advertising boycotts, with government agencies and state-affiliated companies withdrawing crucial advertising revenue from platforms perceived as critical. This economic pressure has forced several independent outlets to close or significantly reduce operations.

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), the state broadcaster, has increasingly dominated the media landscape, with its coverage heavily favoring government positions. Independent analysis of ZNBC’s primetime news coverage showed that over 80 percent featured positive government coverage, with minimal airtime for opposition or critical perspectives.

Rural communities face particularly severe restrictions on information access, with community radio stations—often the only source of news in remote areas—facing licensing hurdles and intimidation of staff. Three community stations in the Copperbelt and Northern provinces had their licenses suspended in 2025 for what authorities called “technical violations,” though station managers maintain the real reason was their coverage of environmental concerns related to mining activities.

Some civil society leaders see the crackdown as connected to growing economic challenges and upcoming electoral considerations. “As economic difficulties mount, controlling the narrative becomes more important to those in power,” noted Patricia Mambwe of the Civil Society Constitutional Forum.

The international community’s response has been mixed. While Western donors have expressed concern, China—a major investor in Zambia’s infrastructure and mining sectors—has remained notably silent on the free speech issues.

For ordinary Zambians, the chilling effect is palpable. “People are increasingly afraid to speak openly about government policies or corruption,” said University of Zambia political scientist Dr. Cephas Lungu. “Self-censorship is becoming the norm, which represents a significant regression for a country that once had one of the more vibrant media environments in the region.”

As Zambia approaches another election cycle, media watchdogs warn that without meaningful intervention and international pressure, the situation could deteriorate further, potentially undermining the democratic gains the country has made since its independence.