Since his swearing-in on June 10 last year by President Hakainde Hichilema, Cyber Security Agency Director General Dr. Schmidt Chintu had been operating without a full support structure.
That situation has now changed following the swearing-in of 15 senior management officials, including directors, deputy directors, and heads of units, by Constitutional Court Deputy President Justice Arnold Shilimi.
During the ceremony, Justice Shilimi urged the appointees to carry out their duties diligently, emphasizing their responsibility as custodians of Zambia’s cyberspace. He noted that their work must contribute to protecting the public and securing critical information infrastructure.
“I’m pleased to note that you are the new statutory body under the Office of the President responsible for the administration of the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025,” he said.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Chintu described the appointments as a major milestone in the Agency’s efforts to fully execute its mandate. He said the new team would strengthen operations and improve coordination in addressing cyber threats.
Among those sworn in were Deputy Director General Garry Akalemwa Mukelabai, Director Legal and Licensing Maureen Banda, Director Finance Obert Ngandu, and Director of Strategy Affairs and Engagements Namuya Maureen Jangulo.
Others included Director of Human Capital and Administration Mutinta Muchindu, Director of Critical Information Infrastructure Nalucha Imasiku, Director of Threat Intelligence and Investigations Taslim Mukabe, and Deputy Director of Threat Intelligence and Investigations Lwiimbo Kasweshi.
Also appointed were Deputy Director of Critical Information Infrastructure Mutinta Chilobe Esther Cholwe, Deputy Director of Human Capital and Administration Chonzi Mulenga, Deputy Director of Research, Education and Awareness Edgar Mlauzi, and Deputy Director of Policy and Standards Abel Bihinda.
The heads of units sworn in included Head of Corporate Communication Lusubilo Gondwe, Head of Procurement Muna Mweemba, and Head of Strategy Monitoring and Evaluation Akokwa Liwena.
Dr. Chintu said the Agency had previously relied on staff seconded from institutions such as the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), which limited its effectiveness.
“Today, I have gotten a support system,” he said. “For a long time, I did not have these members and we were working with officers from other institutions, but now we have almost a full directorate.”
He noted that with most director-level positions now filled, the Agency is better positioned to stabilize Zambia’s cyber ecosystem and deliver on its mandate.
Dr. Chintu explained that the institution is responsible for securing financial systems, protecting citizens from cyberbullying and online abuse, and ensuring a safe and business-friendly digital environment.
“We are the prime institution for cyber security in Zambia. It is our responsibility to regulate, oversee and set standards,” he said.
He warned that cybercrime remains a significant threat, revealing that Zambia has lost hundreds of millions of kwacha in recent years due to cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents targeting major institutions such as banks.
He cautioned that without strong systems in place, key sectors like health, education, and finance remain vulnerable to disruptions and data breaches.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Chintu expressed confidence that the newly appointed team would enhance coordination and strengthen efforts to combat cybercrime.
He also issued a warning ahead of the upcoming general elections, cautioning against the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence to spread misinformation or attack others.
“People must be aware that they would have themselves to blame if they are found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
