Zambian Government Strengthens Cybersecurity After K111 Million Lost to Online Scams
The ministers emphasized that these measures place Zambia in line with global best practices, adopting both a preventive and enforcement-focused strategy to tackle cybercrime and improve digital safety.
In response to rising incidents of online impersonation and cyber fraud targeting public officials, the Zambian government has announced a series of coordinated measures aimed at protecting Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public from cyber threats.
In a joint statement, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu, SC, MP, and the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, MP, highlighted the growing misuse of digital platforms by cybercriminals. Social media services such as Facebook and WhatsApp have become key channels for scammers impersonating MPs to defraud citizens through false job offers, phishing schemes, and malicious disinformation campaigns.
According to the ministers, recent cases of impersonation have resulted in financial losses totaling approximately K111 million.
To address the threat, the government has formally commenced the Cyber Crimes Act and the Cyber Security Act, effective 12 May 2025. The laws establish a dedicated legal framework to prosecute offenses such as identity theft, cyberbullying, online impersonation, and unauthorized access to data. The acts also prioritize national infrastructure protection and the promotion of cybersecurity standards.
Key steps currently underway include:
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Institutional Activation: A multi-agency implementation task force is operational, with trained cybercrime officers now stationed in all provincial police headquarters.
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Public Reporting: The 707# short code for reporting suspicious numbers is active. Over 10,000 SIM cards were deactivated in Q1 2025, helping prevent losses of K16.1 million.
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Collaboration with Meta: Government engagement with Meta has facilitated verification of official Facebook pages, with MPs encouraged to apply.
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Awareness and Literacy: National campaigns are promoting digital safety and cyber hygiene. An anti-fraud awareness drive targeting youth and rural communities is planned for August 2025.
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Tech-Based Security: AI-powered spam filters have been introduced by telecom providers, and a mobile verification portal is being developed to curb the use of stolen or scam-linked devices.
The ministers emphasized that these measures place Zambia in line with global best practices, adopting both a preventive and enforcement-focused strategy to tackle cybercrime and improve digital safety.
