Privacy Law at Zambia
Zambia's data protection framework is governed by the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021, which commenced enforcement in March 2025. This legislation establishes comprehensive guidelines for the collection, processing, and safeguarding of personal data within the country.
Key Features of Zambia's Data Protection Act
1. Regulatory Authority
The Data Protection Commission is the central authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing data protection regulations in Zambi. Its mandate include:
Licensing data auditors*Registering data controllers and processors **Monitoring compliance Promoting public education on data protection* Ensuring robust data security measures **Facilitating international cooperation on data protection matters The Commission is led by Commissioner *Likando Luywa
2. Principles of Data Processing
The Act outlines several principles that data controllers and processors must adhere to, includin:
3. Rights of Data Subjects
Individuals (data subjects) are granted several rights under the Act, includin:
4. Obligations of Data Controllers and Processors
Entities that handle personal data are required t:
5. Enforcement and Penalties
The Data Protection Commission is empowered to enforce the provisions of the Ac. Penalties for non-compliance includ:
For individuals Fines up to 1 million penalty units or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or bot.
For bodies corporate Fines up to 100 million penalty units or 2% of annual turnover, whichever is highe. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to data protection laws and the serious consequences of violation
✅ Summary Table
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Primary Legislation | Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021 | | Regulatory Authority | Data Protection Commission (Commissioner: Likando Luywa) | | Enforcement Start | March 2025 | | Key Principles | Lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality | | Rights of Data Subjects | Access, rectification, erasure, objection, restriction, portability, withdrawal of consent, lodging complaints | | Obligations of Data Controllers and Processors | Registration, data protection policies, impact assessments, data security, DPO appointment, breach notifications, record-keeping | | Penalties for Non-Compliance | Individuals: fines up to 1 million penalty units or imprisonment up to 5 years; Bodies corporate: fines up to 100 million penalty units or 2% of annual turnover, whichever is higher|
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