Forword National Cybersecurity Policy Foreword The Zambian Government and private sectors continued rollout and investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) networks and systems has increased access to ICTs and the internet. These have been powerful tools for human and economic development which have simplified provision of health care, financial services, education, agriculture, mining, commerce, transportation, banking, manufacturing, energy, trade, media and broadcasting services, amongst others. Zambia’s cyberspace has also experienced continuous development. With a substantial increase in access to the internet in the country, concerns around cybersecurity have become prominent. Access to the internet has brought about a new type of risk and threat to national peace which in itself will need new forms of defence to counter it. The country remains at risk of eminent cybersecurity incidents that may significantly disrupt the healthy functioning of our cyber eco-system emanating from both local and/or international threats. Cyber-attacks are growing in prominence every day and the role these attacks play in our daily lives should not be underestimated. The average cost of combating malicious software and data breaches continues to increase, making the recovery from cybercrimes very costly to businesses. . The aim of this Policy is to establish a coordinated cybersecurity framework and enhance resilience of national ICT systems to cyber incidents in order to attain the desired transformation into a Smart Zambia that is underpinned by trust and confidentiality. The Policy also aims at reforming the legal and regulatory framework on cybersecurity and cybercrimes in the country. Successful implementation of this Policy will require extensive collaboration with all stakeholders. As the Ministry responsible for the development of the ICTs, we will endeavour to put in place a multisectoral framework that allows all stakeholders to play their role in the prevention and detection of and recovery from cyber-attacks and incidences. Due to the borderless nature of cybersecurity, Zambia will work closely with other countries within the SADC Region, African Union, United Nations and indeed other organisations in order to foster international cooperation in fighting against the increasing number of incidents caused by illegal activities in cyberspace. Hon. Mutotwe L. Kafwaya, MP Minister of Transport and Communications 1 www.mtc.gov.zm