Zambia has abruptly cancelled the world’s largest global summit on human rights and technology just days before it was set to begin in Lusaka.
More than 2 600 delegates from across the world, including activists, academics and policy makers were due to attend the RightsCon 2026 conference this week.
The summit was focusing on issues such as digital censorship, artificial intelligence, surveillance and online safety.
But in a surprise move, the government says the event does not align with what it calls the country’s “national values” and broader public interest.
The organisers “Access Now” and human rights groups have condemned the decision as a serious setback for freedom of expression and civic space, warning it reflects a growing pattern of restrictions ahead of Zambia’s general elections later this year.
–Channel Africa–
