US warns citizens over Zambia’s new ‘intrusive’ cyber law that permits ICT firms to intercept electronic communications

The United States has issued a caution to its citizens residing in or planning to visit Zambia, warning them to be mindful of the country’s newly enacted cyber law that mandates surveillance and interception of electronic communications.

On April 8, 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema signed into law the Cyber Security Act, which compels ICT companies to proactively intercept and assess all electronic communications—including emails, phone calls, text messages, and streamed content—to determine whether they contain “critical information.”

In a circular seen by Zambia Monitor on Thursday, the US Embassy in Zambia said the law introduces a level of surveillance that significantly differs from privacy protection norms in many countries.

“As this new law introduces an intrusive surveillance ecosystem significantly different from privacy protection provisions that prevail in many countries, the Embassy of the United States encourages American citizens living in Zambia or considering visiting Zambia to carefully assess the implications of this law and adjust accordingly,” the circular stated.

The Embassy noted that the law further requires ICT companies to transmit any intercepted communications deemed potentially critical to the Zambian government.

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