By Mubanga Mubanga
The 2025 Civic space done by Transparency International Zambia ( TI-Z) has revealed that Zambia’s civic space was largely obstructed in 2025
And speaking during the launch of the civic assessments report for 2025 done by TI-Z in collaboration with Norwegian Church (NCA) and Dan Church Aid (DCA) in Lusaka on Wednesday, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Dickson Matambo acknowledged that the government was facing challenges in balancing citizens’ enjoyment of constitutional rights and public order.
Matambo said freedom without responsibility and respect had the potential to undermine public space.
“The Ministry remains committed to creating an environment in which citizens have exercised their constitutional rights, while maintaining peace, security and public order. As the government we acknowledge that maintaining this balance is not always simple, public order and civic freedom are both essential. Security without freedom weakens democracy,” Matambo stated. “But freedom without responsibility and respect for them can equally undermine public space. That is peace and the rights of others. Our responsibility therefore is to ensure that law enforcement is conducted professionally, impartially and within the boundary of the constitution.”
And TI-Z acting executive director Raymond Mutale said the 2025 civic space assessment formed part of TI-Zs broader efforts to strengthen accountable governance and promote an enabling environment in which citizens participated in public affairs.
“For Transparency International Zambia, civic space is central to our anti-corruption and governance mandate. A free and open civic environment allows citizens to speak out, organise, access information, demand accountability, and contribute to decisions that affect their lives. The report we are launching today reinforces the importance of an open civic space and an independent media as essential pillars of transparency and accountability,” Mutale said.
“It also highlights the important role that citizens, civil society, and journalists play in the fight against corruption. This assessment forms part of TI-Z’s broader efforts to strengthen accountable governance and promote an enabling environment in which citizens can participate meaningfully in public affairs. We hope the findings of this report will serve as a valuable evidence base for dialogue, policy reform, and collaborative action to protect and strengthen civic space in Zambia.”
