Undergraduate Research Reports & Masters Dissertations
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Item The Impact of Sovereign Debt Restructuring: An Insight into the Human Rights Perspective in Zambia(2026) CHISOTI, AbigailThis thesis critically examines how Zambia’s sovereign debt restructuring process has influenced the realisation of fundamental human rights, focusing specifically on education adequate public services and health. This study situates Zambia’s experience within the framework of the G20 Common Framework for Debt treatments and IMF supported fiscal consolidation programmes. It analyses the extent to which austerity measures and social spending floors introduced under the Extended Credit Facility have shaped socioeconomic outcomes and the fulfilment of obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The methodology of this research is as follows; this research was a qualitative mode of research as data was gotten from IMF country reports and reports by organisations such as Debt Justice, Wemos and Action Aid, statutes, international treaties, internet sources, journals and articles and case law. The study concludes that Zambia’s restructuring experience exposes critical deficiencies in the global debt governance framework, notably its prioritisation of creditor interests over developmental and human rights imperatives. It recommends integrating human rights impact assessments into debt sustainability analyses enforcing transparency and comparability among creditors and strengthening domestic fiscal governance to align debt management with the progressive realisation of human rights. This dissertation thereby contributes to ongoing discourse on reforming sovereign debt mechanisms to advance equity, accountability and human dignity in African debt management.Item The Adequacy and Appropriateness of the Legal Framework Governing Internet of Things and Internet of Beings in Zambia(2026) MWAPULE, Abigail M NThis study examines the adequacy and appropriateness of Zambia’s legal framework governing the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Beings (IoB). These emerging technologies connect devices and even living beings, creating new opportunities for innovation but also serious legal and ethical challenges. While Zambia has enacted the Data Protection Act of 2021 and the Cyber Security Act, these laws do not adequately address the unique risks that IoT and IoB present, such as violations of privacy, dignity, and bodily autonomy. The research finds that Zambia’s current legal framework protects traditional rights but lacks clear rules on the collection, use, and sharing of sensitive biological and neurological data. Through a comparative analysis, the study draws lessons from the United Kingdom and Kenya, both of which have developed stronger systems for regulating data protection and digital technologies. The UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 and Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019 demonstrate how privacy-by-design and active enforcement can safeguard citizens in the digital age. The findings reveal that Zambia needs to strengthen its laws to include explicit protection for biological and mental data, define key terms like “personal use” and “legitimate interest,” and empower enforcement agencies. The study concludes that without these reforms, IoT and IoB technologies could threaten constitutional rights such as privacy, dignity, and freedom of thought. It recommends legal amendments, stronger oversight institutions, and clear penalties to ensure technology serves people without undermining their rights.Item Taxation Relief: A Comparative Study between Zambia and South Africa(2026) NANKAMBA, AbigailThis research examined the legal fraternity governing tax relief in Zambia, with comparative insights drawn from South Africa and the United Kingdom. It investigated Zambia’s income tax laws. The Tax Administration Act, and other governing Laws, determining their effectiveness in protecting taxpayer rights, advancing compliance, and promoting socio-economic development. The research expands on substantive and procedural contents of DTAs, furthermore allocation of taxing rights, exemption and credit methods, dispute resolution through consensus Agreement Procedure (MAP), and non abusive measures, demonstrating their importance for Zambia’s territorial. tax obligations. The dissertation foresaw the essence of constitutional supremacy, judicial alignment, and administrative fairness in ensuring just and lawful tax relief. Drawing comparative lessons enforcing a clear legislative framework, autonomous tax administration, and international standards to enhance revenue diversity, harmonize double taxation, and champion taxpayer confidence. The findings allude that Zambia can strengthen its tax policies or legal framework by sufficiently improve legislative clarity, institutional alignment to legal reform, treaty implementation, and judicial oversight.Item A Critical Analysis of the Relevance and Appropriateness of Part IV of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Act No 15 of 2009(2026) SAMBOKO, AudreyThis dissertation critically analyses the relevance and appropriateness of part IV of the ICT Act no 15 of 2009, the rules that govern radio licensing. Act no 15 of 2009 was meant to streamline the laws around ICT services, but Part IV still holds on to old rules from the 1994 Radiocommunications Act which it replaced. The idea of a "Radio License" is outdated and does not reflect what the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) does such as issuance of Network Licenses, Service Licenses and allocations of limited resources. The provisions of part IV have led to confusion, legal gray areas and practical headaches for everyone involved, which weakens how well the ICT sector is managed overall. The research begins by delving into the concepts behind ICT regulation, such as public interest theory, responsive regulation, and digital constitutionalism, and then explains how Zambia's system fits into those frameworks. It then examines the structure of ICT in Zambia, from institutions to regulations, with a focus on how ZICTA's role has expanded and the industry has evolved from a single provider to a more open market with several participants. The inquiry reveals major gaps between what is specified in the statute and how things work, particularly in terms of licensing, enforcement, and operator certification. To put things into context, the dissertation draws on the experiences of neighbouring countries including Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, and Tanzania, as well as broader principles like the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy and the SADC Model ICT Policy and Law. These examples show how other governments have adopted flexible, tech agnostic licensing arrangements that promote innovative ideas, the integration of digital technology, and more open markets. The study also integrates real-world data and practitioner comments to show what happens when these old ideas are followed. In the end, the dissertation calls for repelling of Part IV entirely and switching to a single, modern licensing system that's neutral on technology and lines up with global standards. It pushes for ongoing law updates, input from all stakeholders and syncing up with regional and international norms. By tackling this old legislation and pushing for fresh regulations, the work adds to the conversation on reforming Zambia's ICT sector and helps the country aim for a strong, accessible digital economy that sparks innovation.Item An Analysis of Human Rights Implications of Disciplinary Procedures in the Zambian Defence Force: Lessons from Kenya(2026) MUTALE, ChandaThis paper examines the human rights implications associated with the operations, governance and institutional culture of the Zambian Defence Force. As a key instrument of National security, the Zambia Defence Force plays a critical role in maintaining peace, safeguarding territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities. However, its mandate also intersects with a range of human rights considerations including the protection of civilian populations, the treatment of military personnel and adherence to the international humanitarian and human rights law. The study explores challenges such as limited oversight mechanisms, risks of excessive use of force during internal deployments, gaps in training on human rights standards and issues related to gender equality, disciplinary practices and the rights of military personnel within the institution. The study further evaluates positive developments including Zambia’s commitment to regional and international treaties, ongoing professionalization efforts and integration of human rights modules in military training. The analysis highlights the need for strengthened accountability structures, enhanced transparency and continued capacity building to ensure the Zambia Defence Force effectively balances national security imperatives with the protection and promotion of human rights. This paper concludes that sustained reforms and robust civil -military cooperation are essential to aligning defence operations with Zambia’s constitutional and international.Item Investigating on the Human Rights Implications of Currency Depreciation; A Study on Zambia’s Recent Economic Challenges(2026) MBULO, ChapanswaThis dissertation critically examined the impact of Zambia’s Kwacha depreciation driven by external debt, copper price volatility, and the 2024 drought on socio-economic rights, particularly access to healthcare, housing, food, and education for vulnerable groups. Anchored in Articles 8, 10, and 112 of the Zambian Constitution and ICESCR obligations, the study revealed that a 4.6% currency decline (2024–2025) and 16.8% peak inflation have eroded purchasing power, deepened poverty, and disproportionately harmed women, children, and low-income households. Through qualitative desk research and comparative analysis (Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia), it exposes a critical gap: macroeconomic studies overlook direct human rights violations. Government austerity and weak social protection fail constitutional mandates, compounded by absent Human Rights Impact Assessments. The study recommends legal reforms (e.g., amending the Public Debt Management Act), shock-responsive safety nets, gender-responsive budgeting, and rights-aligned IFI engagement. By integrating human rights into economic governance, Zambia can safeguard dignity and advance Vision 2030 and SDGs amid fiscal instability.Item An Analysis of the Commercial Mediation Framework in Zambia: Lessons from India for Enhancing Legislative Regulation(2026) MALIK, Chileleko AdamThis study critically examined the current state of commercial mediation in Zambia, identifying the legal and institutional challenges that have hindered its development and effectiveness as a dispute resolution mechanism. Although mediation has been recognised within Zambia’s judicial reforms and procedural rules, its practice remains largely limited to court-annexed processes, leaving privately initiated commercial mediation without a coherent legislative foundation. The absence of a comprehensive legal framework has led to uncertainties surrounding the enforceability of mediated settlements, accreditation of mediators, and cross-border recognition of agreements. Through a comparative legal analysis, this research draws lessons from India’s Mediation Act, 2023, which provides a unified, enforceable, and institutionally supported system for commercial mediation. The study highlights how India’s approach, particularly its emphasis on enforceability, accreditation standards, confidentiality, and pre-litigation mediation, can inform Zambia’s legislative reform efforts. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study analyses statutes, case law, policy documents, and academic literature to identify key structural and procedural gaps in Zambia’s current mediation landscape. The findings reveal that Zambia requires a standalone Mediation Act that consolidates existing fragmented provisions, establishes a regulatory authority, and aligns national practice with international standards such as the UNCITRAL Model Law and the Singapore Convention on Mediation. The study concludes that enacting a comprehensive legal framework would enhance business confidence, reduce court congestion, and promote a culture of amicable dispute resolution, ultimately positioning commercial mediation as a viable, efficient, and enforceable alternative to litigation in ZambiaItem The Impact of Technology on the Law: Examining Digital Privacy and Electronic Evidence(2026) CHANDA, ChilufyaThe rapid and pervasive integration of digital technologies into society has fundamentally challenged traditional legal paradigms, creating a critical tension between technological innovation and established legal principles. This research examines this dynamic within the Zambian context, focusing on the interconnected domains of digital privacy and electronic evidence. The study is motivated by the central problem that advancements in technology—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and social media—have outpaced the evolution of Zambia's legal framework, leading to significant gaps in the protection of fundamental rights and the effective administration of justice. The study employs a qualitative, desk-based research methodology, critically analyzing primary sources including the Constitution of Zambia, the Data Protection Act (2021), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (2021), and the newly enacted Cyber Security Act (2025) and Cyber Crimes Act (2025). This is supplemented by a review of secondary sources such as case law, scholarly articles, and regional comparative analyses to situate Zambia's legal response within a broader context. The investigation reveals that while Zambia has made significant legislative strides in recognizing digital privacy and electronic evidence, the current framework remains fragmented and inadequately enforced. Key findings indicate that the laws exhibit a concerning tilt towards state security and surveillance, often at the expense of the constitutional right to privacy enshrined in Article 17. Provisions within the cyber laws grant broad interception powers with insufficient judicial oversight, creating risks for freedom of expression and dissent. Furthermore, the legal provisions for electronic evidence, particularly under the ECT Act, are undermined by practical challenges in authentication, chain of custody, and a lack of specific procedural rules, leading to inconsistent judicial application. The research also identifies profound institutional weaknesses that cripple effective implementation. Regulatory bodies like the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Data Protection Commissioner suffer from limited independence, technical capacity, and resources. The judiciary and law enforcement agencies, including the Zambia Police Cybercrime Unit, lack the specialized training and forensic tools necessary to reliably handle and adjudicate complex digital evidence. In conclusion, the study asserts that Zambia's legal system, while increasingly cognizant of digital age challenges, is reactive and struggling to maintain a necessary balance between technological utility, individual rights, and state power. To bridge this gap, the research proposes a suite of targeted recommendations. These include legislative reforms to refine vague provisions and enhance privacy safeguards, procedural reforms to establish standardized digital forensics protocols, and institutional strengthening through increased funding, specialized training, and the promotion of inter-agency coordination. By adopting a proactive, rights-centric approach to digital governance, Zambia can forge a legal framework that harnesses technological benefits while steadfastly upholding justice, accountability, and fundamental freedoms.Item An Analysis of Zambia’s Arbitration Act No. 19 of 2000 as it applies to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Comparison to other Jurisdictions such as South Africa and Botswana(2026) KANSWATA, ChiyeniSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) constitute over 90% of Zambia’s businesses and play a central role in economic development, employment, and innovation. Despite this significance, SMEs continue to face barriers in accessing efficient dispute resolution due to the high costs, procedural delays, and technical complexity of litigation. The Arbitration Act No. 19 of 2000 was enacted to provide a modern, cost-effective alternative aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. However, more than two decades since its enactment, questions remain about its accessibility and practical efficacy for SMEs. This study critically analyses the effectiveness of Zambia’s Arbitration Act No. 19 of 2000 in addressing the dispute resolution needs of SMEs. It employs a qualitative doctrinal and comparative research design, examining statutory provisions, case law, and scholarly commentary, while drawing lessons from South Africa’s Arbitration Act 42 of 1965 and Botswana’s Arbitration Act (Cap 06:01). The research identifies major challenges faced by SMEs under Zambia’s current arbitration framework, including high arbitral costs, limited legal awareness, procedural rigidity, urban concentration of arbitral institutions, and enforcement difficulties. Comparative insights reveal that while South Africa benefits from strong judicial support and institutional credibility, its domestic arbitration law remains outdated and inaccessible to smaller enterprises. Botswana, on the other hand, demonstrates how institutional reform and simplified procedures can enhance accessibility, although regional and cost-related disparities persist. Drawing from these experiences, the study recommends targeted reforms to Zambia’s arbitration framework such as simplified SME-specific procedures, capped arbitration fees, decentralized arbitral services, and nationwide awareness program to make arbitration genuinely affordable and inclusive. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on access to justice and economic development by proposing a reform-oriented model that strengthens Zambia’s arbitration system and supports SME participation in commercial dispute resolution.Item An Assessment of the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Battery Energy Storage Systems in Zambia and their readiness for Changing Power System Requirements(2026) PHIRI, David ChifundoEnergy deficiency is becoming a global challenge. This challenge has arisen as a result of many factors and these primarily border on the rapid growth in the global population. Increased population has come with modernisation and industrialisation leading to over exploitation of fossil energy resources and adverse alteration of the environment. To mitigate this challenge, there is a general trend to transition from legacy energy generation sources to renewable energy technologies. The transition has also been spurred by behavioural changes in consumers, decision makers, entrepreneurs, and governments. In the case of Zambia, ambitious policy and regulatory shifts have been pronounced in Zambia as part of the measures to promote renewable energy integration in the wake of the power deficit the country has suffered arising from climate changes. Government measures that have been implemented include the open access regime for electricity which enable all sector players to access to the transmission and distribution grid without restrictions deregulation of renewable energy resources with installed capacity of 5 MW and below, the net metering framework which allows consumers to generate their own electricity from renewable sources and offset their consumption from the electricity grid, enactment of the Electricity Act and the Energy Regulation Act, the introduction of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment which is responsible for biosafety, climate change, environmental protection, renewable energy, and green industrial policy. Despite all these efforts by the Government of Zambia, there has been no deployment of utility scale energy storage systems across the country. One of the reasons that can be cited would be the lack of a clear legal and regulatory framework that, firstly, prescribes the deployment of such utility energy storage systems and, secondly, protects the investments directed towards such systems. This study sought to delve into the legal and regulatory frameworks for electricity storage technologies in Zambia and their readiness for changing power system requirements.