Zambia in partnership with Access Now, will host the RightsCon 2026 Summit, a leading global platform on digital rights, governance, and innovation.
In a statement made available to the media by Ministry of Technology and Science Principal Public Relations Officer, Ilitongo Maboshe says the event will run from May 5th to 8th, 2026, at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka.
Ms Maboshe stated that the summit is expected to attract over 5,000 delegates from more than 150 countries, including policymakers, technology leaders, civil society actors, and development partners.
She noted that hosting the event marks a key step in positioning Zambia as a regional digital hub as it aligns with the country’s national digital transformation agenda, focused on secure, inclusive, and innovative growth.
She indicated that Zambia will also showcase progress made through laws such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, Data Protection Act, and Electronic Government Act.
Ms Maboshe said the summit will elevate Zambia’s role in global digital discussions.
“RightsCon 2026 will provide a strategic platform for Zambia to demonstrate its commitment to a secure, inclusive, and rights-based digital future while unlocking economic opportunities for local innovators and businesses,” she added.
She further stated that the summit will focus on key issues such as cyber security, data protection, digital inclusion, innovation, and child online protection.
Is this summit going to discuss Zambia’s anti freedom of speech cyber laws? And discuss why politicians feel their need to be protected from free speech be made into law?