The Media Institute of Southern Africa Zambia Chapter, MISA Zambia, today launched two reports aimed at assessing the state of digital rights and public service broadcasting in the country. The Digital Rights Report and the Public Service Broadcasting Scorecard Report document current trends, highlight emerging concerns, and analyze legal and policy developments affecting Zambia’s media and digital ecosystem.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Ministry of Information and Media Director for Press and Media Development, Mr. Modern Mayembe, stressed the need for citizens to understand digital laws and improve digital literacy. He urged the public to verify information before sharing, engage respectfully online, and address digital threats without infringing on fundamental freedoms.
“Digital literacy is an essential life skill that empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in national development.”
He added that national dialogue and a safe digital environment can be achieved if citizens take time to read and understand the Cyber Security Act.
MISA Zambia Chairperson, Ms. Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga, said the reports are the result of research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
“The reports give us an opportunity to assess our current media and digital ecosystem,” Ms. Chisanga said. She noted that digital platforms have become key channels for accessing information, expressing views, and obtaining public services.
However, she cautioned that misinformation, online safety risks, high internet costs, and poor digital infrastructure in rural areas continue to limit digital inclusion. Ms. Chisanga called on stakeholders to use the findings to push for reforms that improve political coverage, enhance access to information, and protect media freedom.
“Rights that we enjoy offline must also be protected online,” she emphasized.
Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation ZNBC Director General, Mr. Reuben Rajokoto, welcomed the Public Service Broadcaster Scorecard Report and acknowledged both the challenges and strengths identified. Mr. Rajokoto said ZNBC will build on its strengths in news and current affairs, local language broadcasting, and public interest programming, while working to address recommendations around editorial independence, inclusion, and digital transformation.
The event brought together representatives from government, media, civil society, and development partners.
