Data Protection Commission Swears in 10 Inspectors to Strengthen Privacy Law Enforcement

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has sworn in ten newly appointed Data Protection Inspectors in a significant move aimed at strengthening enforcement of Zambia’s data protection laws and enhancing compliance across the country.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Cabinet Office through the Civil Service Commission, marks a major milestone in the Commission’s efforts to safeguard citizens’ personal data and promote accountability among data controllers and processors.

The inspectors took their official oaths of office, committing themselves to execute their statutory responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.

They will be deployed across various sectors to conduct compliance inspections, carry out data protection audits and investigate suspected breaches of the Data Protection Act.

Speaking during the ceremony, Data Protection Commissioner Likando Luywa said the appointment of the inspectors underscores the Commission’s commitment to enforcing data protection standards nationwide.

“The deployment of these inspectors sends a clear message: data protection is no longer optional. Our focus is now firmly on robust enforcement and these officers will be our eyes and ears on the ground to ensure that organizations respect the privacy rights of our people,” Mr. Luywa said.

Mr. Luywa noted that the inspectors will play a critical role in building public confidence in Zambia’s data protection framework by ensuring that organizations comply with legal requirements governing the collection, processing and storage of personal information.

The newly appointed inspectors will be responsible for conducting routine inspections, evaluating organizational data security measures and ensuring that both public and private institutions process personal data lawfully, fairly and transparently.

The Commission says the expanded inspection team comes at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across Zambia, increasing the need for proactive regulatory oversight to protect individuals’ privacy rights.