LUSAKA– June 23, 2025 – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised concerns over a proposed Zambian bill that could see reporters jailed for practicing without a license.
The Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, drafted by the justice ministry at the request of the information ministry on behalf of the Media Liaison Committee (MLC), would introduce annual licensing for all journalists. Offenders found operating without registration or employing unregistered reporters could face up to five years in prison or a fine of 200,000 Kwacha (E8,000).
The bill has not yet been formally tabled before parliament but was approved for legislative review in March. Its existence has stirred strong reactions from press freedom groups and newsrooms across the region.
MLC acting chairperson Felistus Chipako is quoted by The Editor Zambia as saying the bill aims to “uphold professionalism and empower journalists.” However, she did not respond to direct queries from CPJ.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly distanced his administration from the bill, stating it is not a government initiative and cautioning that it could undermine press freedom. In 2022, a similar proposal was withdrawn following backlash. In 1997, the High Court declared mandatory registration of journalists unconstitutional.
The CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, described the bill as a threat to media independence and called for transparency in the legislative process.
Earlier this year, Zambia enacted two cybersecurity laws granting authorities broad surveillance powers. Critics fear the growing legal pressure on media is tied to political interests, particularly as the country prepares for elections next year.
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