The Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with ZICTA and UNICEF, has launched the National Child Online Protection Strategy 2025–2029.
The strategy is a framework aimed at creating a safe and inclusive digital environment that shields children from online abuse, exploitation, and harmful content.
The new strategy follows the revision of the 2020 National Online Protection Strategy and responds to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, which presents both opportunities and risks for children.
Speaking during the launch, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says the strategy marks a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to safeguard children in digital spaces.
Mr Mutati said in a speech ready for him by his Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, that government childrens as young as ten years old should be free from bullying and harassment when they are introduced to digital platforms.
He emphasised that as internet access expands across the country, protecting children from cyberbullying, harmful content and exploitation is important.
He added that achieving this goal requires a strong national child online protection system built on collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, civil society and communities.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Country Representative, Saja Abdullah, said the strategy reflects Zambia’s collective commitment to defending children from online violence and abuse.
Ms Abdullah noted that online abuse remains a growing global concern, with emerging threats such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated deep fake content and simulated exploitation in virtual environments.
And ZICTA Director General, Collins Mbulo, said in a speech read form by Universal Access and Service Director at ZICTA, Collins Chomba that the success of the initiative hinges on collaboration from all sectors of society.
And representing children at the event, 16-year-old Lukele Faifai from Mpunde Secondary School expressed gratitude for the initiative and called for children’s rights to remain central to all digital innovations rolled out in the country.
