CIVICUS discusses Zambia’s Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) bill with Josiah Kalala, Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation, a Zambian civil society organisation (CSO) that promotes constitutionalism, human rights and the rule of law.
Parliament’s passage of the NGO bill, introduced by the government in March, would impose stringent registration requirements on Zambian civil society, grant authorities expanded oversight powers and limit the operational autonomy of CSOs. The government says the bill aims to enhance coordination and strengthen accountability, but civil society warns it could restrict civic space and suppress legitimate dissent ahead of elections in 2026. If the bill passes in its current form, civil society fears it will lead to increased self-censorship, organisational closures and broader democratic regression.