Expand on this introductory chapter from the research question; What are the primary national security imperatives and specific cyber threats that Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, 2021/2025, and the Data Protection Act, 2021 of Zambia seeks to address?

1.1 Introduction

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rapid expansion of internet and digital services have significantly altered the economic, social, and political landscape in Zambia, International Telecommunication Union [ITU] (2021). While these advancements bring immense benefits such as improved communication, economic diversification, and streamlined public services, they also expose the nation to a host of cyber threats. As Zambia deepens its digital footprint, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime, data breaches, online fraud, misinformation, and unauthorized surveillance, which directly threaten both national security and individual freedoms, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority [ZICTA] (2023). Recognizing the urgent need to establish a comprehensive legal framework to address these emerging challenges, the Zambian government enacted the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act in 2021 (amended in 2025) and the Data Protection Act in 2021, (Government of the Republic of Zambia [GRZ] (2021a; 2021b). These legislative instruments aim to strengthen the country's cyber resilience, protect personal data, ensure the lawful use of digital technologies, and provide mechanisms for prosecuting cyber offenders. This introduction outlines the background and context of the study, defines the problem statement, and lays out the research aims and objectives that guide this dissertation.

1.2 Background Research

Prior to 2021, Zambia's legal framework lacked the scope and enforcement mechanisms required to tackle modern cyber threats. The Penal Code and other outdated statutes did not sufficiently address issues such as hacking, identity theft, cyberstalking, and data misuse, ZICTA (2022). In response to the growing digital economy, increasing mobile and internet penetration, and heightened incidents of cybercrime, the government introduced the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act (2021/2025) and the Data Protection Act (2021) to fill this legislative vacuum, ZICTA (2023). These Acts align Zambia with international and regional legal standards, including the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), African Union (2014). Notably, the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act covers offenses such as computer-related fraud, network breaches, child pornography, cyberterrorism, and unlawful interception of communications, GRZ (2021a) while the Data Protection Act outlines principles for the collection, storage, and use of personal data, GRZ 2021b).

1.3 Aim and Significance

The aim of this dissertation is to analyze the national security imperatives and specific cyber threats that the aforementioned Acts seek to address. This study is significant because it provides a detailed examination of how Zambia is legally positioning itself in the fight against cybercrime, how national security considerations shape digital governance, and what mechanisms are in place to balance enforcement with privacy and human rights. By exploring these laws, this research contributes to broader conversations about cybersecurity legislation, digital sovereignty, and the protection of civil liberties in emerging economies, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], (2021).

1.4 Problem Statement

Zambia's transition into a digital society is occurring in the absence of robust institutional frameworks for cybersecurity and data governance. The proliferation of digital platforms without adequate legal protections increases the nation's vulnerability to cyberattacks, data breaches, and online criminal activity, ZICTA (2022). Moreover, the lack of awareness among citizens and limited institutional capacity for enforcement undermines the effectiveness of these legal instruments. This dissertation investigates the extent to which the 2021/2025 Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act and the Data Protection Act adequately respond to these vulnerabilities, particularly from a national security perspective, ITU (2021).

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the primary national security imperatives that motivated the enactment of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act (2021/2025) and the Data Protection Act (2021)?
2. What specific cyber threats are addressed by these laws?
3. How do the provisions of these Acts enhance national cyber resilience?
4. What are the challenges in implementing these Acts effectively?

1.6 Research Objectives

• To identify and analyze the national security concerns prompting cybersecurity legislation in Zambia.
• To categorize and examine the specific cyber threats outlined in the Acts.
• To assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Acts in addressing these threats.
• To evaluate the capacity of national institutions in enforcing cybersecurity and data protection laws.
• To explore potential gaps in the legislative framework and propose recommendations.

1.7 Scope of Study

This study is confined to the jurisdiction of Zambia and specifically focuses on the analysis of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act (2021/2025) and the Data Protection Act (2021). It investigates the content and implementation of these Acts, evaluates their relevance to Zambia's national security, and assesses their alignment with regional and international best practices. The study draws on both primary data (interviews and expert opinions) and secondary data (legislative texts, reports, and academic literature), ZICTA (2022); GRZ (2021a; 2021b).

1.8 Dissertation Structure

• Chapter 1: Introduction - Establishes the context, research problem, and objectives.
• Chapter 2: Literature Review - Examines global, regional, and local scholarly perspectives.
• Chapter 3: Research Methodology - Details the research design and data collection methods.
• Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis - Presents and interprets data collected from interviews and document analysis.
• Chapter 5: Discussion - Analyzes findings in relation to theories and existing literature.
• Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations - Summarizes the study and suggests policy directions.

1.9 Chapter Summary

This chapter has provided a foundational overview of the study, outlining its rationale, aims, research questions, and scope. It established the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in the context of Zambia's national security and positioned the legislative Acts of 2021/2025 as central to this discourse.