FOX Report Highlights Media Freedom Ahead of 2026 Elections

FOX Report Highlights Media Freedom Ahead of 2026 Elections

Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Mr Thabo Kawana, represented by Director for Press and Media Counsel, Mr Morden Mayembe, officiated at the launch of the Freedom of Expression (FOX) Report in Zambia, covering July to December 2025.

In his remarks, Mr Mayembe described the report as an important reference for understanding the state of media freedom in the country. He noted that its release comes at a crucial time as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections, stressing the need to strengthen democratic foundations by ensuring citizens have access to information and can express themselves freely without fear.

He said government is working towards fully implementing the Access to Information Act by strengthening institutions and building capacity. He also emphasized that the report should be understood within the legal environment in which journalists operate.

Mr Mayembe pointed out that Zambia has no specific law defining who qualifies as a journalist, adding that journalism is not formally recognized as a profession as it lacks required professional qualifications. As a result, journalists operate under the same legal framework as all citizens.

He further stated that media practitioners must follow the law, including restrictions on public gatherings and access to certain places, and are fully responsible for offenses such as hate speech, misinformation, and publishing restricted information.

While international frameworks may provide certain protections for journalists, he said these are not yet part of Zambia’s domestic law. Therefore, law enforcement and the courts can only apply existing national laws and not unimplemented exemptions.