Cabinet has approved in principle the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act No. 4 of 2021, in order to resolve conflicts with the Cyber Security Act No. 2025 and expand public key infrastructure regulations for secure digital transactions.
The Electronic Communications and Transaction Act provides for a legal framework for electronic Communications and transactions, facilitating the growth of e-commerce, digital payments and online services.
The Act aims to promote a secure and trustworthy online environment, protecting consumers and business alike, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa.
Mweetwa noted that the implementation of the Act had, however, faced challenges, particularly as the licensing process was tied to critical information infrastructure.
“The enactment of the legislation will enhance secure, efficient, and reliable electronic transaction. Further. The legislation will contribute to economic development, across various sectors affecting businesses and consumers,” he said.
Cabinet also approved in principle to the introduction of The Postal Services (Repeal) Bill, 2025 in Parliament, in order to strengthen the administration of the Current law, and make it response to emerging issues.
The minister stated that the need for the review of the Postal Services Act No. 21 of 2009 was necessitated by the rapid evolution in technology that had taken place from 2009 to date.
He said this had resulted in an un-anticipated transformation in the way the postal and courier services sector was doing business.
“For instance, the rise in digital communication and e-commerce has transformed the way people communicate and conduct business. Consumers needs and expectations have also shifted with increased demand for faster, more reliable and secure service delivery,” Mweetwa said.
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He stated that this had also seen a change in the nature of challenges rendering the current law inadequate for the effective regulation of the sector.
Cabinet further approved the issuance of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Privileges and Immunities) Regulations, 2025, pursuant to the Italian Law No. 125 of 2014, on international Cooperation to manage and implement Italy’s international development Cooperation with cooperating partners.
Mweetwa stated that its establishment was aimed at aligning Italy with its European and international partners in development.
“Currently, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is not conferred with privileges and immunities. Therefore, the proposed legislation seeks to confer privileges and immunities on the real and movable properties of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and it’s staff, which will enable the agency to operate in accordance with the Development Cooperation Framework Agreement,” he said.
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