We’re thrilled to welcome you to Lusaka for our long-awaited return to Africa! Explore the sections below to learn more and ensure your experience is both productive and enjoyable.

Travel guidance

Zambia is a safe country and location to visit and our recommendation would be to take reasonable and sensible precautions as you would for any regular travel. Travellers should research and understand the rules and norms that govern the country, and how your profile or activities might impact your travels. Below are some very simple tips, but you may also want to refer to our blog post about travel through the Gulf region or reach out to us at [email protected] if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Before travelling

  • Credentials: You must be registered to access the RightsCon venue and the Summit Platform.
  • Health: Consult a doctor regarding malaria precautions and ensure you have a yellow fever certificate if transiting through endemic areas (must be vaccinated 10 days before arrival).
  • Documents: Carry your passport (6+ months validity with at least 3 blank pages), accommodation information, ID, e-Visa (and if relevant, invitations), and travel insurance details. Keep digital and printed copies.
  • Packing: Pack a “Grab Bag” with essentials for emergencies. Bring a universal adapter (Types C, D, G; 230V) and a power bank.
  • Prohibited items: Cannabis products (including oil or medication, even if prescribed) and pornography are strictly illegal in Zambia.

Arriving in Lusaka

  • Border control: State you are attending “RightsCon.” LGBTQ+ travelers can reach out to us at [email protected] for guidance about gender markers and transit routes. 
  • Connectivity: Free airport Wi-Fi is available (always use a VPN), but it doesn’t always work. You can buy an MTN SIM at arrivals with your passport, though eSIMs are recommended for better data privacy.
  • Transport: Uber/Bolt do not operate in Zambia. Arrange airport shuttles via your hotel or use taxis. Taxis require cash in Zambian Kwacha (ATMs can be found at the arrivals gate) and will need to be negotiated before the journey begins. 

Safety and moving around

  • General: Zambia is friendly, but petty crime exists. Avoid walking at night; use trusted hotel drivers. Public buses are not recommended.
  • Road safety: Always wear your seatbelts while in transit. If you are renting a car, be mindful that driving is a high-risk factor, please remain alert during transit. 
  • Food and water: Do not drink tap water or use ice. Only eat fruit you can peel or food that is thoroughly cooked.
  • Emergency contact: For visa or safety issues, email [email protected] or [email protected]. The local emergency number is 999.

Tech and digital security

  • Device hardening: Update your software, use a VPN, and enable 2FA/Yubikeys. Use Signal with disappearing messages and registration lock enabled.
  • Physical security: Power off devices completely at borders. Use a long PIN (8 digits) rather than FaceID. Enable Lockdown Mode (iOS) or Advanced Protection (Android).
  • Data hygiene: Minimize sensitive data on mobile devices. Clear browser metadata and disable “Auto-Join” for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
  • Hardware: Never leave devices unattended (even in hotel safes). Avoid public USB charging stations unless using a “Data Blocker.”

Arriving in Lusaka

When you arrive at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, keep an eye out for the RightsCon welcome desk, which will be clearly marked with our logo. There will be two RightsCon welcome desks, one inside the arrivals area and one outside the airport.

If you need a visa for Zambia, please ensure you have physical copies of the relevant documents. You may also be asked to present these documents when you’re checking in for your flight to Zambia at your country of departure, and during any transit stops. 

If you encounter any issues during your journey or upon arrival, our team will be available to assist you. You can reach us via email at [email protected].

SIM cards, eSIMs, and mobile data connection

While free WiFi is available at the airport, we recommend using public networks cautiously. You can find a MTN stand just leaving the departure area offering SIM cards and mobile data plans. 

Please note that by purchasing a SIM card in Zambia you’ll be asked for your passport to be registered and your photo will be taken for the purchase process. 

While eSIMs are available, our team has found them to be less reliable than physical SIMs. 

Leaving the Airport

Kenneth Kaunda International offers a few transportation options, including taxis and hotel shuttles. We recommend checking with your hotel beforehand if they provide shuttles from the airport. Most large hotel chains in Lusaka offer this service to guests, usually at an additional cost.

Things you may want to consider before leaving the airport:

  • Withdraw money from airport cash machines (ATMs) or convert your currency to Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). The exchange of currency requires your passport. 
  • Payment methods: Card payment is common throughout Zambia, but taxis and small local shops will require cash. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) is arguably more common than cards for everyday purchases.

Transportation and shuttle routes

Ride-share services

Uber is not available or not widely used in Lusaka, the most popular app is Yango. 

Yango is a ride-hailing app originally developed by Yandex. Despite its ease of use and growing global presence, users should be aware of certain privacy and data protection concerns. These include questions around how user data (such as location and trip information) may be accessed, stored, and potentially shared across jurisdictions, as well as ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding compliance with data protection standards. Broader issues related to transparency, governance, and operational practices in some markets also contribute to these concerns.

Recommendations if deciding to use the app:

  • Download the app through the official Android or Apple Store and not third parties in order to avoid malware. 
  • Limit app permissions upon installation (i.e. disabling access to microphone, camera, and contacts).
  • Review privacy settings regularly.
  • Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.
  • More information on user recommendations can be found on Yango’s website
  • Please note: Yango does not accept card payments.

Taxis

It is recommended to use established taxi providers, for example, services arranged through your hotel. 

Car hires and rentals

You can rent cars in Lusaka and there will be parking available at the RightsCon venue.

Europcar Zambia
Email Address: [email protected]
Contact Number: +260 212 620 314/ 627 800

Shuttles Routes to the MICC

While the MICC is within walking distance from neighboring hotels, our team will also provide daily shuttle services from key hotels and hubs in the city to the venue and back. We’ll share detailed shuttle routes and schedules on April 23.

Picking up your in-person badge

Your RightsCon badge will display your chosen name and affiliation, as indicated when you registered. As in previous years, you’ll have the option to select a lanyard based on your privacy preferences (a red lanyard indicates you do not want to be photographed or captured in videos). The badge will also feature a QR code linking to useful resources to help you navigate the event.

With approximately 3,000 participants expected over the four days of the summit, we recommend picking up your badge ahead of time to avoid long queues when the event begins. You can collect your badge at our venue, the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) during the following times:

  • Sunday, May 3, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 
  • Monday, May 4, 7:30 am- 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, May 5, 7:30 am- 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, May 6, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday, May 7, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday, May 8, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Find our registration booth, conveniently located in front of the main entrance of the Kenneth Kaunda Wing, the main building of the MICC complex. There will be a dedicated registration queue and booth for those with accessibility needs.

Important note: Please wear your badge at all times while inside the venue. Participants without a badge will not be permitted in summit spaces or allowed to attend sessions.

Exploring the RightsCon venue

The Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC), located in the heart of Lusaka, is our venue for RightsCon 2026. The venue neighbors major hotel chains as well as government buildings, restaurants, and malls. 

The MICC is a large venue complex made of multiple buildings. RightsCon 2026 will take place in two different buildings:

The Kenneth Kaunda Wing

The main building is the Kenneth Kaunda Wing (KKW), with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern rooms and architecture. The building hosts a large auditorium, multiple conference rooms, banquet hall, and board rooms spanning three floors. 

Ground Floor

  • Info Desk
  • Auditorium (for Opening and Closing Ceremony only)
  • Dialogue and Workshop programming rooms
  • Community Village
  • Lightning Talk & Tech Demo stage
  • Lactation room
  • 2 Lunch areas

First Floor

  • Access Now lounge
  • Private Briefing rooms
  • Prayer room
  • Digital Security Clinic Check-in 
  • Roundtable and Private Meeting programming rooms

Second Floor

  • Media room
  • Quiet workspace
  • High sensory room
  • Counselling room
  • Digital detox room (no devices please!)

The Mulungushi Wing

The Mulungushi Wing is a historic building in MICC complex. The building has a large ballroom area and other multi-purpose rooms.

Ground Floor

  • Craft Village
  • Workshop programming room

First Floor

  • Craft Village 
  • Workshop and Dialogue programming rooms

Please note that the MICC was built in two distinct phases and the most recent ‘Kenneth Kaunda Wing’ was built and financed by the People’s Republic of China in 2022.

Venue accessibility information

Our approach to accessibility is centered on intentionally designing our spaces to account for the diverse needs, abilities, and priorities of participants, and taking steps to ensure that our spaces are safer, supportive, and inclusive to all participants, especially those from marginalized communities. 

UNESCO World Press Freedom Day

We’re pleased to announce an exciting collaboration between RightsCon and UNESCO for World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, which will take place in Lusaka, Zambia from May 4–5, followed by RightsCon 2026 from May 5–8. This partnership opens the door for deeper connections between the digital rights community and those working on press freedom, journalism, and freedom of expression. Please note: that while the two events will be hosted in the same venue complex, registration is separate and badges will be required for entry into either event. You can learn more about registration for World Press Freedom 2026 day here.

Additional engagement opportunities

Satellite events 

Before RightsCon kicks off, we invite you to join satellite events taking place on Tuesday, May 5, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We’ll share more information about these events the week of April 20.

Meetups

Looking to connect with the RightsCon community? Then make sure to join a regional meetup from 3:15 to 4:15 pm,on May 5, right before the Opening Ceremony. From May 6-8, you can attend meetups with other first-time participants, funders, the United Nations, private sector, environmental defenders, digital safety practitioners, and Indigenous groups. More information will be available on our Summit Platform. 

Craft Village

The Craft Village is a new feature for RightsCon 2026, designed to celebrate Zambian artisanship and connect delegates with the local creative economy. Located on the ground floor of the Mulungushi Wing at the MICC, the Craft Village will host a curated selection of Zambian vendors working across basketry, copper, textiles, fabric printing, and other traditional crafts.

The Craft Village will give RightsCon attendees the opportunity to purchase locally made goods and engage directly with the makers, and it forms part of RightsCon 2026’s broader commitment to creating positive economic and social benefits for the host community.

Community Village

The Community Village is an exhibition space at the heart of the summit where organisations, projects, and companies from the RightsCon community can showcase their work. Check out the 80+ booths on the ground floor of our venues, from grassroots organizations sharing their latest project, to tech firms demoing their newest tools.

Digital Security Clinic

Located on Floor 2 of the venue, the Digital Security Clinic (DSC) is an open space for RightsCon participants to ask for advice and assistance on digital security. We welcome activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and at-risk community members to bring their questions and concerns for an in-person consultation.

Spring Coaching sessions

From navigating today’s funding landscape to building resilient teams, digital rights defenders are facing unprecedented challenges in sustaining their missions for the long haul. That’s why, with support from the Ford and Mott Foundations, Spring’s coaches will be onsite at RightsCon to offer complimentary 45-minute coaching sessions in Cantonese, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese or Spanish. Spring coaches have worked with thousands of changemakers from over 100 countries to address themes like fundraising, stress, transitions and team dynamics.

A decade of #KeepItOn: The human impact of shutdowns around the world

For over a decade, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have been fighting internet shutdowns across the globe. The coalition, launched at RightsCon Silicon Valley in 2016 with 70 organizations — now over 360 members strong — will mark its ten year anniversary at RightsCon Lusaka. Through an interactive installation, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the human impact of internet shutdowns worldwide, showcase the coalition’s vital work over the years, and how stakeholders from all regions and sectors can stand up and take action. Together, we can end internet shutdowns. #KeepItOn. You can find the A decade of #KeepItOn installation in room A212.

Preparing for your session

If you’re a session organizer, speaker or facilitator, visit our Session Organizers Hub to view format-specific guides, facilitation tips, promotion kits, and more!

Attending online sessions from the venue

The venue offers free WiFi and communal seating throughout the space, allowing participants to tune into online sessions on their personal devices (headset usage recommended!). For those seeking a quieter environment to join these sessions, we recommend heading to the second floor (the Quiet Floor).

If you require to tune into an online session or need a quiet workspace, you can reserve a slot using our booking form. We request that you use headsets in this room to reduce sound disruptions. Participants are limited to one booking each to preserve space for others. 

Lunch and coffee

RightsCon will provide lunch and beverages (including coffee and tea) for all participants during the four days of the event (May 5-8). Lunch will be served in marquee tents outside between 11:30am and 2:30pm, with both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options available (check out our venue map to locate the three areas available for lunch). A limited number of vegan, kosher, and gluten free meals will be available for those who have indicated special dietary restrictions in their registration. 

Complimentary coffee and tea will also be available at designated stands throughout the venue, ensuring you stay energized during the summit.

The venue also boasts a coffee shop where a selection of beverages and light meals are sold in the Kenneth Kaunda wing; as well as a bar and a restaurant serving local Zambian cuisine in the Mulungushi wing, should participants wish to purchase these.

Staying safe and healthy during RightsCon

RightsCon is a large, public event that attracts a diverse set of stakeholders from 150 countries into one space, to discuss important, but challenging issues. We want participants to join with an understanding of the plans and processes that underpin this event.

Access Now operates a Safety Working Group and an internal Safety Working Group Advisory Committee to build plans and processes for maintaining a safe and secure event environment, and to respond to issues as they arise. 

This year, we introduced a LGBTQ+ and Accessibility Advisory Committee, which includes trusted local organizations, partners, and community members to support the design of the summit for members of our community who are LGBTQ+ and or have accessibility needs.

We recognize participants have different risk profiles. If you want to speak with our team about your questions or concerns related to safety, security, or your participation, please reach out to our Safety Working Group by emailing us at [email protected].

In the meantime, we encourage people to read our Participation & Privacy Policy and our Code of Conduct, which governs all RightsCon spaces.

Useful emergency numbers in Lusaka:

  • General emergency: 999
  • Fire: 993
  • Police & ambulance: 991
  • International country code: +260

The venue has a robust medical office that participants can visit if they are feeling unwell and there’s a pharmacy in the Arcades Mall across the road from the venue. The nearest hospital is Medland Hospital (+260-761-10-1600 or 3111 on Zambian lines). In the event of a medical emergency, flag down one of our team members, venue security, or report it to our info desk and our onsite paramedics will assist. The Kenneth Kaunda building info desk will be equipped with free masks for participants.

Venue access

Badge pick-up will be located on the ground floor outside the entrance to the venue, and is wheelchair and power scooter accessible.

The Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) has accessible parking spaces within the venue grounds. The venue is accessible from the parking area which is outside and is easy for wheelchairs and power scooters to move around on the surface.

Inside the venue

RightsCon will be taking place in the MICC complex, in two different buildings: The Kenneth Kaunda Wing (KKW) and the Mulungushi Wing (MW). 

  • Both buildings are equipped with elevator access, wheelchair and power-scooter accessible spaces. 
  • The Kenneth Kaunda Wing entrance can be accessed by ramps on the left and right-hand-side of the building, with barrier-free paths from the entrance to the elevators. The building is equipped with 2 elevators on each floor, and its use will be prioritized for those who need it.
  • The Mulungushi Wing entrance can be accessed by a ramp at the main entrance. The building is equipped with one elevator and its use will be prioritized for those who need it. 

Common spaces in the venue

Due to the large size of the venue, and the fact that RightsCon will take place across two buildings, there could be a considerable amount of walking between sessions. There will be accessible seating available in the hallways and common areas if you need to take a break at any point.

The floor of the hallways is paved with tiles while the Plenary Hall is carpeted floors. The restaurants are paved with tiles. It is easy for wheelchairs and power scooters to move around on these surfaces.

There will be free Wifi and drinking water refill throughout all common areas.

There will be a multi-faith prayer room on the first floor of the venue.

The ground floor of the Kenneth Kaunda building will include the following spaces:

  • A private lactation room for those who chestfeed, shielded from view and free from intrusion;
  • A staffed medical room dedicated to providing assistance in medical situations or situations of distress; and 
  • A quiet, outdoor garden area acting as a low sensory space.

Program rooms

There will be barrier-free paths from the elevators to all program rooms, with room monitors present at the entrance of every room to assist with opening and closing doors.

All program rooms will have plenty of seating available, with priority seating near the speakers available for participants who are blind, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing.

Speakers and/or facilitators may choose to use the stage (small step to access), or the area in front of the stage (step-free). Speakers and/or facilitators may request for ramp access to the stage if they require.

Handheld mics will be used, and can be passed around the room.

Restrooms

While the venue’s restrooms are structurally gendered, as is required by local law, the RightsCon team has allocated and signposted accessible and inclusive restrooms on every floor. We’ve also indicated which restrooms have stalls or no stalls and encourage participants to use the restroom of their choosing.

These are also wheelchair and power scooter accessible.

Language access

RightsCon encourages session organizers to host their sessions in the language of their choice. 

In-person experience:

Select in-person dialogue sessions will support simultaneous interpretation available from English to French on May 8 in room AG08. Both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will also feature live interpretation in these languages. Additionally, translators or interpreters engaged by participants are welcome to a free RightsCon ticket. 

Online experience: 

Online roundtables and private meetings can enable an interpretation feature and closed captions in the languages supported on Zoom. Organizers can also invite a sign language interpreter and instruct participants to “pin” the interpreter’s video to the screen at all times. Please note that language interpretation will not work in breakout rooms, only the main room, and that all interpreters will be provided with a free ticket to attend RightsCon if requested via email to [email protected]

For online dialogues, AI-based closed captioning will be available via the platform livestream in the language being spoken. 

Hybrid experience:

Hybrid roundtables and private meetings can enable closed-captions to the Zoom and within the room. Please email [email protected] if you plan to utilize this function, so we can ensure that your room is equipped to support this.

Additional support

There will be an Information Desk onsite (marked in the venue map) where a RightsCon team member will be present to provide any specific support required during the summit. 

If you have an access request that you feel comfortable sharing with us, you will be able to indicate that in the registration form or you can also reach out to us at [email protected].

Sustainability at RightsCon

RightsCon is committed to running a sustainable summit through reducing our environmental impact and increasing the potential for positive social change. We are working towards certification under the ISO 20121 international standard for sustainable events, guided by a strategy that spans environmental, social, and governance themes.

Our sustainability approach for RightsCon 2026

We have developed a sustainability action plan covering nine themes, from carbon footprint and waste reduction through to community impact and biodiversity. On the ground in Lusaka, this means prioritizing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients in our catering, with a focus on plant-based and vegetarian options, and eliminating single-use plastics from summit spaces wherever possible. We’re also working to measure the carbon footprint of the event and planning efficient shuttle routes between key hotels and the venue to cut unnecessary journeys.

Sustainability at RightsCon isn’t only about the environment, it’s about people too. This year’s summit features a Craft Village in the Mulungushi Wing, where Zambian artisans will showcase and sell handcrafted goods including basketry, copperwork, textiles, and jewellery. It’s a chance to take home something meaningful while directly supporting local makers and creative enterprises.

Where we’ve purchased items for the summit rather than hiring them, we’ll be donating usable equipment to local community organizations after the event.

Our volunteer team will include dedicated sustainability champions, locally recruited volunteers who’ll receive specialist training in helping to embed sustainable thinking into the event from the inside out.

How you can help

Here are a few things you can do to help us deliver a more sustainable summit:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle as free drinking water refill points are available throughout the venue
  • Opt for the shuttle service or share rides with fellow participants where possible rather than taking individual taxis
  • Be mindful of energy use in your hotel room, particularly air conditioning and lighting when you’re out for the day
  • Take advantage of our vegetarian and plant-based catering options at lunch, which carry a lower environmental footprint
  • If you’re a session organizer, consider whether your session materials could be shared digitally rather than printed
  • Do visit the Craft Village. It’s one of the simplest ways to support the local, creative economy during your time in Lusaka

We’ll share more details on our sustainability efforts after the summit wraps up. If you have questions or suggestions, get in touch at [email protected].

Exploring Zambia after RightsCon

If you choose to extend your stay in Zambia after RightsCon, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! Lusaka offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan charm and natural beauty. Explore world-class museums, serene parks, a vibrant nightlife, a diverse culinary scene, and even outdoor activities for those seeking a dose of adventure!

Historical places nearby

Lusaka Museum

Located next to the Government Complex on Independence Avenue in the NIPA area, the Lusaka Museum, was opened in 1996 and has some of Zambia’s rarest and most diverse exhibits. On display you can see the local ethnography, art, sculptures and even traditional witchcraft. It’s a cultural gem showcasing Zambia’s first tech innovation – a traditional “aeroplane” believed to be able to teleport people through space, fossils of the “Broken Hill Man”, one of the first humans, and intricate carvings representing the diverse culture of Zambia.

Freedom Statute

The statue is built on the legend of Zanco, a young man who was arrested and shackled by colonial police in 1963, and was so strong he broke free from his chains. The statue is a national monument which depicts Zambia’s freedom and independence. The Freedom Statue is located in front of the Government Complex on Independence Avenue in the NIPA area. 

Kabwata Cultural Village

Kabwata Cultural Village is a historic colonial-era village turned into a must-visit location for handcrafted souvenirs and gifts made from local wood, stone and cloth. These authentic village huts were built in the 1930s and 1940s to house men who came to Lusaka seeking work on the railroads. Local artisans display their paintings, handcrafted copper bracelets, and jewelry made from Zambia’s treasure trove of local silver and gemstones. The Kabwata Cultural Village is on Burma Road in Kabwata. 

Embassy Park

Located on Independence Ave next to the Ministry of Home Affairs and across from the Cenotaph and Cabinet Office, is Embassy Park, a national monument and burial site for Zambia’s former presidents. The location hosts the mausoleums and history of Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda through to the 5th Micheal Sata. The location also has the “empty tomb” of Zambia’s 6th president, Edgar Lungu who remained unburied in South Africa almost a year after his death. Site tours are available.

Chilenje House 394, First Home of Founding President Kenneth Kaunda 

The Chilenje House 394 is a national museum located on Chilumbulu Road in Chilenje. The modest house was occupied by Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda from 1960 to 1962 when he became Zambia’s first prime minister and eventually its independence president in 1964. The house still has some of Kaunda’s personal effects from the liberation struggle.

Kenneth Kaunda Statue at Long Acres KK Mall

The bronze statue of Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, at the Long Acres Mall on Alick Nkhata Road in Long Acres is a popular selfie spot for most visitors to Lusaka. 

Oliver Tambo Heritage House

This historic house was built in Zambia as a safehouse and home for exiled South African freedom fighters. Located on the Great East Road in Avondale, it housed exiled ANC leader and freedom fighter, Oliver Tambo for 22 years. The house was opened to the public in 2017 as a museum and national monument in remembrance of Zambia’s contribution to the liberation of Africa. Zambia gave sanctuary to liberation movements from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Shopping and nightlife

Lusaka offers a wide range of activities to enjoy after a full day at RightsCon. From restaurants – whether fine dining or a quick takeout –  to shopping and nightspots offering an evening of laughter, fun and relaxation, Lusaka’s malls have it all!

Around MICC are several shopping and entertainment locations. The Arcades Mall on the corner of Great East and Thabo Mbeki Roads is situated across from the MICC and Radisson Blu Hotel, and is popular for its coffee and tea conversation spots, restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques, souvenir shops, odd and ends, as well as movie theaters and nightspots. The Eastpark Mall also on the corner of the Great East and Thabo Mbeki Roads is the largest of Lusaka’s malls and offers some of the best shopping and a diversity of options to choose from “whether you are dining, shopping or just having fun, Eastpark Mall has something for everyone”.  

Visit The Manda Hill Mall situated on the corner of the Great East and Manchinchi Roads. It has some of the largest supermarkets, the best food courts, nightspots and movie theaters. Manda Hill sits across from the Lusaka Showgrounds which houses art galleries, polo fields, sports cafes, and concert arenas. 

Away from the MICC, in the Kabulonga and Woodlands area, you will find the Centro Mall on the corner of Bishops Road and Kabulonga Road situated just down the road from the  Novare Pinnacle Mall on Chindo Road in Woodlands. Still in Woodlands, at the corner of Mosi-oa-tunya and Buluwe Roads is the Lewanika Mall, and if you are in the Munali or Chudleigh areas, you will find the Munali Mall at the corner of Munali and 12th Street. In Mass Media and Long Acres, you have the Agora Village on Thabo Mbeki Road, and Long Acres KK Mall on Alick Nkhata Road, both offer some of Lusaka’s best dining, entertainment and shopping. 
Other popular hangouts and nightspots around Lusaka include venues in and around the Twin Palms Mall in Salama Park.

Outdoors activities

Lusaka offers almost all outdoors options for those seeking to connect with nature. If you’re looking to unwind for a a day or a few days after a productive RightsCon, here’s how you can connect with the city’s natural beauty:

Zambia tourism

Victoria Falls

Victoria falls is one of the most spectacular natural sites on Earth. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989, the 1.7 km wide curtain has a vertical drop of over 100 meters.  Viewing the falls on the Zambian side is not only breathtaking but leaves you in the midst of its spray. You don’t only see the falls, you feel it. Tickets to see Victoria Falls from the Zambian side in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park can be purchased directly at the park gates, which are open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. 

Livingstone Museum

Established in 1934, formerly called the Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, the David Livingstone Memorial Museum before that, the Livingstone Museum is the largest and the oldest museum in Zambia, located in Livingstone near Victoria Falls. Ethnography, archeology, natural history, Davaid Livingstone who gives his name to the town. Covers his travels and missionary work, his first sighting of the Victoria Falls, meeting with famed explorer Henry Morton Stanley, his death and burial at Westminster Abbey in London in 1874, and how his heart remained buried under a tree in central Zambia.

Railway Museum and Jewish Museum 

The Gateway Jewish Museum in Livingstone was opened in 2013. The museum tells the story of the Jews who settled in Livingstone, and other major Zambian towns. Exhibits reflect the part they played in the economic, cultural and political development of Northern Rhodesia and Zambia. 

Bushtracks Africa (Zambia)

Visitors can indulge in a mix of adrenaline-packed activities and serene experiences. From challenging river adventures, boat cruises, craft market tours, walking safaris, white water rafting, bungee jumping, tours of the Victoria Falls, aerial views, cultural immersions, and nearby wildlife encounters. There’s something for everyone.

Abseil Zambia

Activities include gorge and tandem swinging, rap jumping, abseiling, flying fox,  ziplining and tours of the Batoka gorge tour.

Livingstone Adventure

Offers a wide variety of fantastic activities from canoeing down the mighty Zambezi, the thrill of microlight and helicopter flights over the Falls, to white water rafting, swimming under the Victoria Falls, Zambezi wave surfing, river drifting, luxury cruises, river boat safaris, quad biking and horse safaris. 

Mukuni Big 5 Safaris

Offers a unique opportunity to connect with the King of the Jungle. This experience allows you to walk alongside lions and cheetahs in their natural environment with “no restraints”, while gaining insights into their habitat and behavior from expert guides.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya Game Drive/Safari

Open game-viewing vehicles, driven by expert guides. Encounters with animals in their natural habitat. Although not all wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, you will share a space with these magnificent animals and absorb the beauty of Africa through an abundance of indigenous flora.

You can also find helpful tourism brochures and travel guides for Zambia.

Detailed online guidance, including our program schedule, tips for building your session agenda, and more, will be published with the launch of the Summit Platform, the week of April 20, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our answers to frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find the information you are looking, get in touch with us at [email protected]

Where and when will RightsCon 2026 be held?

RightsCon 2026 will be held from May 5-8 2026, in Lusaka, Zambia and online through the RightsCon Platform. The venue for in-person participation is the Mulugushi International Convention Center (MICC), located at 8025 Great East Rd, Lusaka, Zambia.  There are two buildings at the MICC that will be utilized for RightsCon 2026: the Kenneth Kaunda Wing and the Mulungushi Wing. 

When will the RightsCon platform open?

The RightsCon platform will open on April 20, 2026.

Where and when will I be able to register for RightsCon?

You can register for RightsCon through our website. Do note that in-person registration closes on April 28, 2026, and online registration closes on May 1, 2026.

Do I need a visa to travel to Zambia ?

To find out if you need a visa to Zambia, we recommend checking the official visa website of the Government of Zambia for the most accurate and  up-to-date entry information. You can also consult a trusted travel website as a reference tool to review your visa and transit requirements.  Simply enter the issuing country of your passport, where you’re traveling from (including if you have a connecting destination), your dates of travel, and click “see requirements”. Your trip summary will include whether or not you require a visa for your connecting flight or final destination, health guidance, and other documentation requirements.

 Please note that travel requirements are frequently updated, and we recommend that you check the latest entry requirements before your trip. (Note: You can navigate the page in different languages!)

How do I apply for a visa to Zambia?

Depending on the passport that you hold there are three different pathways for entry into Zambia.  Please refer to the visa information section in our website for guidance on which pathways you are eligible for.

If you require a visa to Zambia, you can apply for an e-Visa as Zambia allows all nationals who require a visa to apply entirely online through their official portal. Once the e-Visa is approved, it is valid for 90 days and you must enter Zambia within this period. As such, we recommend starting your visa application between mid-February 2026 and early April 2026.

 The RightsCon team is working closely with the Zambian government and our local partners to support participants when applying for a visa. We recommend that all participants that need a visa apply for an e-Visa, as this pathway allows our team to provide direct support and coordinate with the local authorities to help you have a smooth arrival in Lusaka. 

Please note that our form to request the supporting documents for Zambia’s eVisa is now closed as of April 3, 2026.

Who is Access Now partnering with for the implementation of the eVisa process?

To facilitate the visa process through Zambia’s e-Services Platform for participants, RightsCon is partnering with Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS), our main government partner, and our local partner Bloggers of Zambia.

As part of our coordination, we are submitting participant information provided through our form, in batches, to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS). MoTS will pass this information on to Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Department of Immigration for the processing of eVisa applications.

We look forward to working closely with these key stakeholders to facilitate access to our summit, by supporting our community in navigating the eVisa process.

How far in advance before my travel should I apply for a visa?

According to Zambia’s Department of immigration, visas are usually processed within 5-10 working days. However, given the current high volume of eVisa applications, it is our understanding that eVisa processing time is taking two weeks or longer, in some cases.

Considering that RightsCon will take place between May 5-8, 2026, we recommend applying for your visa between mid-February 2026 and early April, 2026, at the latest. Once the e-Visa is issued, it is valid for 90 days and you must enter Zambia within this period.

Please note that our form to request the supporting documents for Zambia’s eVisa is now closed as of April 3, 2026.

What if my country is not listed in any of the visa options listed? 

Please reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help!

Should I book my flight to Zambia before my visa is approved?

According to Zambia’s Department of immigration, visas are typically processed within 5-10 working days. However, given the current high volume of eVisa applications, it is our understanding that eVisa processing time is taking two weeks or longer, in some cases.

If possible, we recommend booking tickets that allow for changes or ones that can be refunded, although we recognize that flexible tickets are often more costly.

What type of funding assistance do you provide?

In order to facilitate the participation of underrepresented communities, RightsCon provides travel and connectivity support to a small number of civil society members who wish to attend RightsCon (May 5-8, 2026). The fund is reserved for individuals facing financial barriers who would be unable to attend the summit without our support.

Applications for travel and connectivity support are now closed, and all available funding has been fully allocated.

What language is used in Zambia?

English is the official language of Zambia and is widely spoken in the country.

What currency is used in Zambia, and how can I make payments?

The official currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). In addition to cash, major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and mobile payment apps like Airtel Money, MTN Money and Zamtel Money are accepted.