Metro
Zambia’s media freedom: Progress amid new threats
Published
6 months agoon
By
Isaac Dachen
For democracy to flourish, a robust policy environment is essential to liberate the media from excessive control and manipulation.
Since the return to multiparty democracy and economic liberalism 33 years ago, Zambia has made notable progress in media freedom, despite some lingering challenges.
Media pluralism, driven by critical reforms, has increased access to various media platforms.
However, gaining access to public media remains an uphill battle for those holding views contrary to the ruling class.
The rise of digital and social media platforms has also added a unique and revolutionary impetus to media freedoms, providing a space for diverse voices that traditional media often failed to offer.
The enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) law is a promising development, ensuring media freedoms through unhindered access to critical public information.
According to MISA Zambia, the ATI law marks “a historic milestone for media freedom and transparency in Zambia after two decades of relentless advocacy and discussion.
“MISA Zambia commended this significant achievement, noting that it reflects “a positive step towards fostering an open and informed society and a transparent government.”
However, concerns are emerging with the introduction of laws such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 and the proposed amendments to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act, which includes fees for online broadcasting.
These developments cast a dark cloud over the progress made in creating space for media freedom in the country.
President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced that his Cabinet has proposed amending laws to stiffen punishment for those promoting hate speech in the country.
The proposed amendments will be taken to parliament, and the President urged lawmakers “to do the right thing to deter people from promoting discrimination against any grouping.”
Stakeholders, however, feel that hate speech laws are mainly used to clamp down on dissent, making them an affront to media freedom and freedom of expression.
On the other hand, the cybercrime law provides rules of conduct and standards for the use of the Internet, computers, and related digital technologies by the public, government, and private organizations.
It also covers rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and other criminal justice matters in cyberspace.
Critics argue that the law is used by the ruling class to suppress critical voices in the online space.
The Zambian government’s recent announcement that it will require licensing of online media has raised concerns among rights activists, who see it as an infringement on freedom of expression and speech.
Recently, the government revealed plans to revise the IBA Act to regulate online broadcasting and podcasts.
Although the government insists that licensing online media is only meant to protect citizens and victims of cybercrimes, activists warn that such a move would infringe on the right to freedom of expression.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, stated that the proposed law would “help fight cybercrime, coordinate cybersecurity matters, develop relevant skills and help promote the responsible use of social media platforms.”
He added that: “The government does not intend to introduce any legislation intended to stifle citizens’ enjoyment of their freedoms of expression and speech on social media.”
However, Richard Mulonga, Chief Executive Officer of Bloggers of Zambia, argued that regulating online media “should be avoided in all cases as it does not align with democratic values.”
He emphasized that: “In as much as we recognise the need for enhanced internet legislation to make the online spaces safe and secure for all, there’s a need for these laws and policies to be democratic.
They must be specific, and they must enhance online rights and freedoms rather than silence citizens’ activities on the internet.”
Molina also noted that the term “abuse of social media” has been weaponized to justify the creation of new “laws that can be used to target citizens on the internet.”
DW TV quoted Modern Muyembe, Media Development Director at the Ministry of Information and Media, as saying that the amended law would require online broadcasting companies to acquire an operating license costing more than US$1,000 annually to operate online.
This, will undoubtedly affect media freedom, as few will afford this amount.
In summary, Zambia’s media freedom is a “mixed bag” where there is room for improvement, but also a risk of regressing if restrictive laws, such as the proposed IBA Act, are enacted.
This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.
You may like
-
Zambia’s finance expert, Maimbo poised to replace Nigeria’s Adeshina as AfDB president as he launches bid
-
Zambia announces second case of Mpox as country battles cholera outbreak
-
Zambian NGOs rate President Hichilema’s reforms as not far-reaching
-
Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted
-
Zambian NGO decries persistent corruption, says governance in 2024 marked by mixed fortunes
-
Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change
Metro
Zambia’s finance expert, Maimbo poised to replace Nigeria’s Adeshina as AfDB president as he launches bid
Published
7 days agoon
February 1, 2025
Zambia’s Development Finance Expert, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, has launched an audacious bid to replace Nigerian economist, Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Maimbo who formally announced his candidacy for President of the AfDB on Friday during an event organized by ZANACO Bank at Latitude 15 Hotel in Lusaka, emphasized the need for bold, results-driven leadership to propel Africa’s economic transformation.
While speaking at the event, Maimbo who is the Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, stressed that Africa stood at a critical juncture and requires decisive leadership at AfDB to accelerate economic growth and job creation.
“The AfDB needs bold, results-driven leadership unafraid to make tough decisions. I am the man for that job,” Maimbo declared.
He further underscored the need to fast-track employment for one billion Africans by supporting key industries that enhance livelihoods and drive prosperity.
Also speaking at the event, Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, commended the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for endorsing Maimbo as their sole candidate for the AfDB presidency.
“This is a tremendous milestone not just for Zambia but for the entire region. We must unite in supporting Dr. Maimbo to strengthen AfDB’s role in Africa’s economic transformation,” Haimbe said.
He highlighted the importance of AfDB in advancing regional integration, infrastructure development, and tackling poverty, climate change, and youth unemployment.
ZANACO Managing Director, Mukwandi Chibesakunda who also spoke, described Maimbo’s candidacy as a beacon of hope for Africa, praising his vision for a self-sustaining and inclusive continent.
“His commitment to inclusive development aligns with Zambia’s national, regional, and continental goals. His leadership could unlock renewed investments in marginalized communities, youth, and women,” Chibesakunda said.
She noted that closing Africa’s gender gap could add US$2.5 trillion to the continent’s GDP, citing World Bank estimates.
The country’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, urged all stakeholders to rally behind Maimbo, emphasizing that Africa needed higher growth rates to navigate current challenges and seize future opportunities.
The event had in attendance high profile guests including former Vice President, Enock Kavindele, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, Bank of Zambia Governor, Danny Kalyalya, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and private sector executives.
The AfDB election, scheduled for May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, will determine the next president of the 82-member institution tasked with driving sustainable development in Africa.
Maimbo is among eight candidates vying for the presidency.
Others are:
1. Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
2. Rabah Arezki (Algeria)
3. Amadou Hott (Senegal)
4. Albert Zeufack (Cameroon)
5. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)
6. Romuald Wadagni (Benin)
7. Ousmane Kane (Mauritania)
Metro
‘Don’t start what you can’t finish’, ex-Nigerian official replies President Tchiani
Published
1 month agoon
December 29, 2024
Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has told President Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger Republic to refrain from making infantile and puerile allegations that Nigeria is conniving with France and the Lakurawa terrorists to destabilize his country.
Tchiani had, during an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger on December 25, accused the Nigerian government of using the sect, with the help of foreign security forces notably from France, to wreck havoc in his country, insinuating that President Bola Tinubu had been paid by the France government to allow their military to establish a base in Borno State.
He also alleged that Nigeria, acting in collaboration with the French government and the terrorist group, was responsible for an attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
But in a statement he posted on his official X handle on Sunday, Fani-Kayode who is popularly called FFK, said Nigeria does not need the help of France and thr Lakurawa terrorist to destabilize Niger Republic.
FFK insisted that Nigeria is not part of the western powers sponsoring terrorists organizations to wretch havoc on the West African sub region.
“If Nigeria wanted to destabilise Niger Republic, I do not believe that we would need France or any terrorist organisation to do so,” the politician wrote.
He noted that on the contrary, western powers are the ones behind terrorist organizations operating in the region and other parts of Africa.
“I have maintained that the western powers are behind the terrorist groups that have plagued the West African sub region over the last 15 years and for the last ten years I have publicly stated this and given my reasons.
“I am equally certain that Nigeria, being one of the major victims of these terrorist organisations, has had no part in it and that no Nigerian President, past or present, has indulged in such grave and dangerous actions.”
He went on to advice Tchiani against provoking Nigeria with unguarded and infantile utterances capable of stoking Nigeria against his country.
“The Nigerien Military Head of State, Abdourahamane Tchiani, would do well to be careful not to provoke our wrath with his absurd assertions and remain mindful of the fact that the defence budget for his country, Mali and Burkina Faso COMBINED is not up to 25% of Nigeria’s.
“Tchiani’s grave allegations that President Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu have been bought by the French to destabilise Niger Republic, that our Government is jointly sponsoring a terrorist group with France to do same and that there are French military bases in Nigeria are infantile, puerile, mendacious and asinine.
“It is a squalid attempt by the Nigerien Head of State to sow the seeds of dissention in our country, to alienate our people from constituted authority, to divide our people and to undermine the Tinubu administration,” he added.
“It is also highly provocative and the FG should consider the possibility of taking other more extreeme measures if this reckless provocation continues.
“We are under no obligation to show restraint when we are being undermined and maligned.
EDITOR’S PICK


Zambia’s finance expert, Maimbo poised to replace Nigeria’s Adeshina as AfDB president as he launches bid
Zambia’s Development Finance Expert, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, has launched an audacious bid to replace Nigerian economist, Akinwumi Adesina, as President...


Nigeria: Marketers predict further price cut as another refinery begins operations
Oil marketers and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority expect refined petroleum product prices to reduce as another...


Kenya: Consumer inflation rises to 3.0% from 2.8%
Kenya’s statistics agency said on Tuesday that Kenya’s consumer price inflation increased slightly to 3.0% year-over-year in December from 2.8%...


South Africa’s Transnet’s half-year deficit hits $117m
Transnet, a state-owned logistics company in South Africa, announced on Tuesday that it had lost 2.2 billion rand ($117.48 million)...


Nigeria, China extend $2bn currency swap deal
A 15 billion yuan ($2 billion) currency-swap arrangement between China and Nigeria has been extended to boost investment and commerce...


Egypt’s central bank maintains overnight rates
As anticipated, Egypt’s central bank has maintained its overnight interest rates, stating that although inflation was predicted to drop significantly...


Illicit flows cost Nigeria, others $1.6bn daily— AfDB
According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), illicit money flows and profit shifting by multinational corporations doing business in Africa...


‘Don’t start what you can’t finish’, ex-Nigerian official replies President Tchiani
Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has told President Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger Republic to refrain from making infantile and...


Again, Starlink raises prices of its services in Nigeria
Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, Starlink, has again jacked up the prices of its services in Nigeria after an...


Former President of Moroccan club Raja sentenced to 3 years in prison
The former President of Moroccan top club, Raja Casablanca, Mohamed Aouzal, has been sentenced to three and a half years...