Zambia Political Orientation
Government
Government Type: Presidential Representative Democratic Republic
Leader: President Hakainde Hichilema
Political Party: United Party for National Development (UPND) (see its manifesto)
Political Position: Center-Right
Press Freedom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: 55.16 – Moderate Freedom
World Press Freedom Rank: Zambia 82/180
Zambia is ranked 82 out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. RSF reports that the election of Hakainde Hichilema as President in August 2021 improved the media after some difficult years. However, the legislative framework needs improvement as political opponents continue to face persecution.
Media Ownership and Government Analysis
Zambia’s media landscape is pluralistic, comprising both state-owned and private outlets. The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)/ Zambia Today is a state-owned broadcaster that coexists with private broadcasters and operates three TV channels and three radio stations. It typically covers government initiatives and policies favorably, reflecting the government’s stance on national issues.
Additionally, the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) is the public relations wing of the Zambian government, operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. It collaborates with multinational and national news agencies to enhance its news coverage. Some of its partners include Russia Information and News Agency (RIA Novosti) and Xinhua News Agency of China. ZANIS promotes a positive image of the government and operates two daily newspapers, the Times of Zambia and the Zambia Daily Mail.
Private media includes 42 TV channels, including Prime TV (license revoked 2020), Diamond TV, MUVI TV, and around 120 radio stations. Influential newspapers include The Mast, News Diggers, and the Daily Nation. The Mast provides more critical coverage and investigative journalism despite facing challenges like government pressure and legal threats.
Since the election of Hakainde Hichilema in August 2021, Zambia’s recent laws have shown a commitment to balancing citizens’ rights, security, and freedom of expression. Notable among these is the Access to Information Act of 2023, which grants citizens the right to access information held by public institutions, enhancing transparency and accountability. Despite this, The Zambian media environment still faces challenges like the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act 2021, which, while officially aimed at protecting Zambian citizens from online abuse, has faced controversy, with some viewing it as potentially restricting online press freedom.
Furthermore, the Defamation Act has been used to arrest journalists who are critical of the President. VOA News reported in 2022, Zambia repealed the controversial defamation law, promoting freedom of expression. However, a recent report from AllAfrica in May 2024 indicates that defamation charges are still being filed, suggesting inconsistencies in the enforcement of the repeal and pointing to challenges in fully implementing legislative changes.
In conclusion, Zambia’s media landscape comprises both state-owned and private media outlets. While press freedom has improved, challenges persist, such as restrictions on online press and the use of the Defamation Act. Hichilema’s election has led to some progress, but there’s room for further improvement.
Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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