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Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has warned that civic space in Zambia remained under pressure due to restrictive laws, calling for sustained advocacy to reform legislation that limits freedoms.
ADEG Executive Director, Gideon Musonda said the current legal framework was obstructing citizens’ ability to fully participate in public affairs.
Musonda said this during the launch of a nine-month project titled “Strengthening Civic Space and Freedom of Expression in Zambia,” which will be implemented in five provinces and six districts including Lusaka, Monze, Livingstone, Kabwe and Chipata.
Musonda said the project builds on ADEG’s earlier advocacy in 2025 targeting the NGO Act and constitutional reforms, efforts he noted contributed to the deferment of initiated Bills to allow broader consultation.
“The Civic space in Zambia is being obstructed by bad legal framework such as NGO Act, Public Order Act among others. There is need for civic and community actors to resuscitate and sustain advocacy for reforms to the NGO Law,” he said.
He defined civic space as the environment that enables citizens to freely express opinions, associate, assemble peacefully, access information and participate in public affairs, adding that these freedoms are essential for accountable governance.
He also stressed the importance of monitoring recent constitutional changes to ensure they translate into tangible protections for citizens.
“Furthermore, it is extremely important to participate and closely monitor implementation of recent constitutional reforms,” Musonda said.
He noted that the project was structured around four pillars: promoting legal and policy reform, strengthening civic participation and dialogue, enhancing CSO capacity and resilience, and mobilization for civic space and human rights.
Musonda said district awareness campaigns will target women, youth, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders and CSOs to ensure inclusive participation in legislative processes, while other components will focus on digital security, advocacy skills and media engagement.
“No single institution can safeguard civic space alone. Government, Parliament, civil society, traditional leaders, the media, cooperating partners and citizens all have an important role to play,” he stated.
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