The Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia has introduced the National Child Online Protection Strategy (2025-2029) to enhance digital safety for children across the nation.
Launched in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, UNICEF, the Human Rights Commission, the National Prosecution Authority, and other organisations, this initiative aims to create a safer online environment for young users.
This new strategy builds on earlier frameworks by improving policy coordination, enhancing skills, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration across sectors. The government views this strategy as a pivotal advancement in protecting Zambian children in the digital landscape.
As internet access expands among youth, the strategy tackles pressing issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, and insufficient digital literacy. It outlines essential pillars to strengthen national coordination, increase preventative measures, and promote digital safety skills, with an estimated budget of US$1.8 million earmarked for its implementation.
Brilliant Habeenzu, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, noted that digital technology has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity, profoundly influencing children’s learning, communication, creativity, and exploration.
“The event underscored the urgency of this initiative, the importance of inclusivity, and our collective responsibility to safeguard children online. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to translating this strategy into tangible, measurable outcomes, ensuring that every child in Zambia can thrive safely and confidently in the digital age,” the ministry stated.
