By 
Cabinet has approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021, with the aim of expanding Zambia’s legal framework on data management to include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics.
The decision was made during the 8th Cabinet Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, according to Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa.
Mweetwa said the proposed new legislation would cover broader categories of data, including non-personal, industrial, and public data, to align with global trends and enhance public trust in data protection.
“The enactment of the 2021 law established a foundation for protecting personal data, but it does not address other critical categories such as non-personal and industrial data. This limits Zambia’s capacity to tap into the full economic potential of data,” Mweetwa said.
Read more: Govt pledges to leverage digitization to build inclusive, sustainable social protection systems
He added that the new Bill would ensure Zambia sets a national standard for data security while promoting sustainable economic and technological development.
In addition, Cabinet approved the Information and Communications Technologies (Universal Access and Service) Regulations, 2025.
The new regulations will increase the portion of annual operating fees paid by ICT licensees into the Universal Access and Service Fund from 50 percent to 80 percent.
According to Mweetwa, the changes are intended to strengthen the delivery of information and communication services in unserved and underserved areas.
The regulations will also empower the Fund Manager to administer the Fund in line with Section 71 of the ICT Act and eliminate the requirement for licensees to apply for designation as universal service providers.
“The current funding levels are insufficient to meet the growing need for access to information services across the country,” Mweetwa stated.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments