Zambia cancelled RightsCon 2026 days before the human rights and technology summit was due to open in Lusaka on 5 May, the government said. [1]
The government said the conference did not align with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities and broader public interest considerations. [1]
RightsCon 2026 had been set to run from 5 to 8 May in the capital and was expected to draw more than 2,600 activists, technologists, academics and policymakers. Organisers had planned sessions on online hate, internet shutdowns, artificial intelligence, surveillance, the militarisation of technology and disinformation. [1]
The gathering was billed as the world’s largest conference on human rights and technology and its 14th year. It had been held in Taipei the previous year, and the Lusaka venue was reportedly donated by China. [1]
Thabo Kawana said last week the conference would not go ahead while authorities ensured it aligned with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities and broader public interest considerations. RightsCon 2026 had been due to start today, and it was scheduled to end on 8 May. [1]
Linda Kasonde criticised the decision, saying: “When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy. What we are seeing is a slow degradation of rights – of freedom of expression and the right to assemble.” She also said: “We go to the polls in August 2026” and called the Lusaka meeting “the first time RightsCon was being held in southern Africa.” [1]
