Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has called for stronger collaboration to combat the growing threat of human trafficking.

Mr Matembo warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital platforms and artificial intelligence to target unsuspecting victims.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director of Planning and Research, Goodson Sinyenga, during the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons commemoration, in Lusaka.

Permanent Secretary said that trafficking in persons remains one of the most serious transnational organised crimes.

He therefore urged citizens to verify job offers, scholarships and business opportunities before making life-changing decisions.

“Behind every fraudulent job advertisement, fake online relationship and cyber-enabled scam is a human being whose dignity, freedom and future are at risk,” he added.

And Mr Matembo said the Government has strengthened the fight against human trafficking through the review of the National Policy on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, the amendment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and the implementation of the 2025–2027 National Action Plan.

He further indicated that the establishment of the Cyber Security Agency has also enhanced efforts to tackle online scams and AI-enabled trafficking.

International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission Kisha Livermore said the fight against trafficking must remain rooted in dignity, compassion and justice.

Ms Livermore noted that Zambia has made progress but more work remains.

“Our response is not driven by statistics alone, it is grounded in a simple but powerful principle that every person has the right to live free from exploitation,” She added.

She urged authorities to strengthen victim protection, enhance cross-border cooperation and increase public awareness on online scams and deceptive recruitment.

Meanwhile, Zambia Cyber Security Agency Director General Schmidt Chintu cited digital platforms as one of the major methods used in trafficking humans.

Dr Chintu noted with concern that technology that is meant to be helpful is one of the major threats to humans as it is being used for heinous crimes such as human trafficking.

He further advised youths to be weary of online bursaries and competitions urging parents to be vigilant against online usage by their children.

For Anti-Human Trafficking Department Director Boris Mulengu, online trafficking and AI-enabled exploitation are emerging threats that require urgent action.

Mr Mulengu said the Department has intensified public awareness campaigns, capacity building and collaboration with local and international partners to curb the crime.

He disclosed that more than 4.2 million people have been reached through community outreach, radio and television programmes since the Department became operational.

He added that 476 victims have so far been identified and supported, while 109 trafficking cases have been investigated through coordinated interventions.

“As technology evolves, so do the methods of traffickers. This calls for strengthened digital vigilance and coordinated action,” Mr. Mulengu said.

He added that partnerships have also attracted more than US$5 million in external support to strengthen Zambia’s anti-human trafficking response.

The 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was commemorated under the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” with renewed calls for governments, communities and the private sector to work together to end human trafficking.

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