Zambia Postpones RightsCon Summit, Raising Concerns Over Civic Space and Digital Rights

Mintesinot Niggusie

Zambia's decision to postpone RightsCon 2026, effectively cancelling the global digital rights summit scheduled to be held in Lusaka next week, has drawn criticism from Human Rights Watch and civil society groups, who question the government's commitment to free expression and assembly.

The 14th edition of RightsCon was due to take place from May 5 to 8, 2026 in the Zambian capital. Organisers, Access Now, said on April 29 that participants should no longer travel to Lusaka after the government announced the postponement.

In a statement, the Zambian government said the decision was necessitated by the need for comprehensive disclosure relating to key thematic issues proposed for discussion during the summit. The technology and science minister earlier cited pending administrative and security clearances for some speakers.

Human Rights Watch said the explanations raised concerns about possible attempts to shape the summit's agenda. "The Zambia government's flimsy reasons for postponing RightsCon suggest that the government wanted to control the summit's human rights agenda," said Idriss Ali Nassah, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. He called for a full explanation of the decision, describing the cancellation as a setback for human rights engagement.

Civil society organisations, including the Net Rights Coalition and more than 130 digital rights stakeholders, said the move pointed to shrinking civic space in Zambia.

RightsCon is a major global forum on human rights and technology, covering issues such as internet governance, surveillance technology, corporate accountability and digital ethics. Human Rights Watch staff had been scheduled to participate in multiple sessions.

Deborah Brown, deputy director for technology and rights at Human Rights Watch, said the decision would have wider consequences. "By shutting down RightsCon, the Zambian government is shutting down discussions and opportunities to strategize and connect on some of the most crucial human rights issues of our time," she said.

Some observers in Zambia said the decision may also be linked to geopolitical sensitivities. A civil society activist involved in the local organising process told Human Rights Watch that Chinese objections to the participation of Taiwanese delegates may have influenced the outcome. Human Rights Watch said it could not independently verify the allegations and had sought comment from both the Zambian government and the Chinese embassy without response.

Human Rights Watch said the cancellation reflects broader concerns about restrictions on civic space in the lead-up to Zambia's political calendar, urging authorities to safeguard freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.