Zambian influencer imprisoned for hate speech

Influencer’s imprisonment raises questions about freedom of speech in Zambia

An episode of the Focus on Africa podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Zambian influencer imprisoned for hate speech" was published on December 4, 2025 and runs 22 minutes.

December 4, 2025 ·22m · Focus on Africa

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Summary

Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as 'One Boss Lady', has been a vocal critic of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. She was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, two controversial laws that were recently amended to stipulate harsher penalties. The case has raised concerns about freedom of speech in Zambia.Also, did you know that the trafficking and sale of ants is on the rise? We look at the impact of this illegal phenomenon on the environment.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Ly Truong and Makuochi Okafor Technical Producers: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Episode Description

Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as 'One Boss Lady', has been a vocal critic of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. She was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, two controversial laws that were recently amended to stipulate harsher penalties. The case has raised concerns about freedom of speech in Zambia.

Also, did you know that the trafficking and sale of ants is on the rise? We look at the impact of this illegal phenomenon on the environment.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Ly Truong and Makuochi Okafor Technical Producers: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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