Digital Rights Summit in Zambia Cancelled Amidst Reported Chinese Influence

The planned RightsCon 2026, the world's largest conference dedicated to digital human rights, was unexpectedly cancelled by Zambian authorities just days before it was scheduled to begin in Lusaka. The event was set to attract over 2,600 participants, including activists, technology experts, academics, and policymakers from more than 150 countries. Many attendees had already made travel and accommodation arrangements, making the abrupt cancellation particularly disruptive.

The organizing entity, Access Now, a New York-based civil rights group, indicated that diplomatic pressure from China played a significant role in the decision to halt the summit. According to information received from multiple informal sources, Chinese diplomats allegedly urged the Zambian government to prevent members of Taiwan's civil society from participating in the event, both in-person and online. Access Now stated that these developments were communicated unofficially, even though the Zambian government cited other justifications for its decision.

Official statements from Zambian authorities offered alternative explanations. The Minister of Technology and Science referenced ongoing administrative and security reviews concerning certain speakers and participants. Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Media asserted that the event was not aligned with Zambia's national values, political priorities, or public interest considerations.

China's influence over Zambia is underscored by significant economic ties between the two countries. China is the largest creditor to Zambia, providing substantial financial support. Notably, the Mulungushi International Conference Center, where RightsCon 2026 was to take place, was expanded in 2022 with a Chinese government grant of approximately 27 million euros. Furthermore, days before the cancellation, Zambia signed a major contract with a Chinese state-owned enterprise valued at roughly 1.3 billion euros to enhance the country's electricity infrastructure.

Access Now characterized the cancellation as indicative of broader transnational pressures facing civil society organizations. The organization expressed concerns about shrinking spaces for human rights advocacy and signaled its intention to adapt its strategies in response to these challenges.

The cancellation also had repercussions beyond RightsCon. The UNESCO World Press Freedom Day events, scheduled to coincide with the conference in Lusaka, were similarly affected. Many of these activities were relocated to Paris or transitioned to virtual formats in order to proceed as planned.

The developments surrounding RightsCon 2026 have raised questions about the extent of foreign influence on domestic policy decisions in Zambia, especially in contexts related to digital rights and freedom of expression. Observers continue to monitor the situation as Access Now and other stakeholders adapt to the evolving landscape for global human rights advocacy.