Zambia’s Cybersecurity Landscape

In 2022, Zambia’s digital environment was transforming rapidly. With mobile phone penetration exceeding the total population due to multiple SIM usage, digital communication and mobile financial services became widespread. At the same time, cyber‑risks grew significantly.

A study published in 2022 highlighted a rise in phishing, smishing, and vishing attacks. As people increasingly relied on mobile phones for banking and transactions, attackers found a large target audience.

Stakeholders in Zambia began strengthening institutional responses, including work on the national Computer Incident Response Team and public awareness initiatives.

Still, Zambia faces challenges. Limited cybersecurity talent and constrained budgets make it difficult to scale cyber defence programs. Businesses, especially fintechs and banks, must embed security into their strategic planning.

In 2022, Zambia stood at a critical point. Digital expansion brought opportunity but also exposure, emphasising the need for coordinated national cyber resilience efforts.