Free Press Initiative

28/05/2026

With the August 13 General Elections fast approaching, conversations around Zambia’s democracy are becoming more important than ever.

Today, the Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI), with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), held an Electoral Stakeholder Dialogue in Chipata.

The dialogue brought together citizens and key stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the electoral process, including political violence, voter rights, electoral rigging concerns, misinformation, youth participation, and the need for free, fair, and peaceful elections.

Representatives from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Zambia Police, the media, and Civil Society Organizations were part of the discussions, engaging directly with members of the public and responding to their concerns.

Participants included community members, youths, journalists, and other stakeholders.

FPI remains committed to promoting informed public discourse, press freedom, peaceful participation, and democratic accountability as Zambia heads toward a crucial electoral moment.

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

Women Environmental Defenders Trained in Kasama!

On 19th May 2026, Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) successfully trained 15 Women Environmental Defenders (WERDs) and Female Journalists (FEJs) at Apostolic Faith Mission, Bethel Assembly in Kasama District.

The training focused on Climate Resilience, Advocacy, and Policy Engagement.

Participants learned about climate change impacts on women, the important role of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in climate action, and how to access CDF support for women-led projects.

The women also discussed practical ways to overcome barriers and integrate climate resilience into community development.

These women are rising as powerful leaders in the fight against climate change!
Thank you to all participants for your commitment.

21/05/2026

Today in Lusaka, the Zambia Free Press Initiative participated in a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

The meeting brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the media to discuss Zambia’s progress in the OGP process and the draft National Action Plan.

The Open Government Partnership is a global initiative that brings together governments and civil society organizations to promote transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and the use of technology to strengthen governance.

As Zambia marks its first Open Gov Week since joining OGP in 2025, the engagement is focussed on the importance of open governance and inclusive decision-making in national development.

FPI remains committed to promoting press freedom, access to information, and meaningful public participation in governance processes.

21/05/2026

Today’s learning exchange under the SheRise Project took the women participants to a tree nursery managed by the Zambia Forestry Department in Kasama, where they gained deeper insight into the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and restoring the environment.

The visit highlighted how tree nurseries play a critical role in preserving ecosystems, reducing land degradation, improving air quality, and creating sustainable livelihoods for communities. Through this practical experience, the women were able to appreciate the long term value of environmental conservation and the power communities have in protecting natural resources.

As climate challenges continue to affect communities across Zambia, initiatives such as these are equipping women with knowledge and practical solutions that can be replicated back in their communities.

The exchange visit by Zambia Free Press Initiative in partnership with WERDS under the Carter Center supported SheRise Project continues to strengthen women’s participation in climate action and community resilience.

21/05/2026

This morning, as part of a field learning exchange visit under the SheRise Project supported by The Carter Center, Zambia Free Press Initiative is engaging with WERDS in Kasama to promote knowledge sharing on climate action and women empowerment.

The women participants visited projects being implemented by the Zambia Forestry Department, where they are learning about climate mitigation initiatives such as beekeeping and ornamental tree planting as sustainable ways of protecting the environment while improving livelihoods.

The learning visit is being led by District Forestry Officer Brenda Chirwa, who is guiding participants through practical approaches to community driven environmental conservation and resilience building.

20/05/2026

Women Leading Climate Action in Kasama

Today, the Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI), with support from The Carter Center, held a community engagement in Kasama District, Northern Province, bringing together 50 women environmental defenders and female journalists.

The discussions focused on positioning women as leaders in climate action, not as victims, but as drivers of resilience, innovation and sustainable solutions.

Ward Development Committee (WDC) members pledged support to the women and highlighted how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can be accessed through loans and funding for climate-smart initiatives. Participants were also encouraged to form cooperatives to strengthen their projects and improve access to resources.

Female journalists committed to amplifying climate stories through impactful reporting to educate and inform communities across Zambia.

Strong WDCs that include women’s groups are essential for inclusive development and effective climate action.

Special thanks to the Kasama WDC and all the courageous women environmental defenders taking the lead in building resilient communities.

19/05/2026

Sadly in Uganda, the Protection of Sovereignty Act is now law after Museveni signed this bad law, which threatens freedom of expression and independent journalism in Uganda.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply disappointed that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (seen at his May 12 swearing in) signed into law on May 17 the Protection of Sovereignty Act, dealing a devastating blow to freedom of expression in the country.

The law requires registration of “agents of foreigners,” defined so broadly as to potentially include journalists working with international outlets or receiving foreign funding. These “agents of foreigners” are prohibited from participating in a broad range of activities that the state deems “disruptive.”

The law is fundamentally flawed, will pose a grave threat to the practice of independent journalism, and should be repealed.

Read more: https://cpj.org/?p=583466

15/05/2026

CPJ is relieved that a court ordered Zimbabwean journalist Gideon Madzikatidze to be released on Friday, after three months behind bars. He was freed on Tuesday May 19.

Madzikatidze was arrested in connection to a Bulawayo24 News story on corruption allegations.

Authorities should now drop their case against the journalist, who is due back in court on May 27 on charges of cyberbullying and broadcasting without a license.

Read the Committee to Protect Journalists's previous coverage on this case in the comments.

Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect that Madzikatidze’s release was ordered on Friday May 15 but he was not freed until Tuesday May 19 due to administrative processes.

14/05/2026

Conflict is part of every society. What matters most is how we respond to it.

Poor communication, misinformation, and unresolved tensions can quickly turn disagreement into violence. That’s why responsible communication matters now more than ever.

As journalists, content creators, and citizens, our words, images, and headlines carry power. They can either build understanding or deepen division.

Let’s choose dialogue over distortion, accuracy over assumptions, and peace over polarization.

Let’s tell stories that heal, not harm.

14/05/2026

Today in Kalomo, the Free Press Initiative, in partnership with Young Women in Action and Zambia Council for Activists, is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the current state of freedom of expression in Zambia.

The meeting brought together community members, young people, media practitioners, and law enforcement officers. The meeting is aimed at allowing the target audience to share their experiences and finding ways of advocating for legislative reforms of the Cyber laws that infringe on the freedom of expression in Zambia.

Representatives from government, media, civil society, and the Zambia Police Service engaged directly with citizens on issues surrounding the cyber laws, freedom of expression, misinformation, and accountability in the digital space. These discussions build on the past engagement relating to freedom of expression under the Claim Your Space project supported by the Danish Minorities Center for Human Rights & Developmentsh Minorities Center for Human Rights & Development, and the Global Fokus.

At FPI, we remain committed to promoting informed dialogue, civic participation, media freedom, and citizen engagement across Zambia.