The RightsCon venue, the Mulungushi International Convention Center (MICC), is a large complex made up of three buildings. RightsCon 2026 will take place in two of them: the Kenneth Kaunda Wing (KKW) and the Mulungushi Wing (MW).

The venue is a state-of-the-art convention center and one of the leading facilities in the region, located in the heart of Lusaka. It is close to multiple international hotel chains and government buildings, with convenient access from the Great East Road.

The main entrance can be accessed on foot or by vehicle. If you are arriving via the official RightsCon shuttle, the drop-off and pick-up area is located directly at the entrance, near one parking area. After a short walk, you will find the badge pick-up booths just outside the KKW entrance. As you move from the Kenneth Kaunda Wing to the Mulungushi Wing, you will pass Lunch Area 1, a large tent located just across the main road, near the parking lot.

Next to the Mulungushi Wing is the Annex building, which will not be part of RightsCon 2026. This is where all World Press Freedom Day events (May 4–5) will take place.

Please note that for RightsCon 2026, the outdoor area is the only designated space for photos and videos. It offers plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect selfie or group photo.

Kenneth Kaunda Wing

Ground Floor

The Kenneth Kaunda Wing is the largest and most central building in the venue complex. With its modern architecture and infrastructure, it will host the majority of programming for RightsCon 2026.

After picking up your RightsCon badge, you’ll enter the main hallway, where the Community Village booths and our Info Desk are located. At the center of the building, you’ll find the main Auditorium, a large circular theatre that will be used exclusively for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. You’ll find multiple tea and coffee stations throughout the venue in designated times, with beverages for participants. Note that this floor houses a Coffee shop that is not affiliated with RightsCon and participants will need to purchase for any items consumed.

To the left of the entrance, you’ll find rooms AG01–AG09, which will host our Dialogue sessions. In this area, you’ll also find the KeepItOn exhibition, celebrating 10 years of work to end internet shutdowns globally, as well as the medical room, a lactation room, and accessible and inclusive restrooms.

On the right-hand side of the building, you’ll find the Banquet Hall rooms. Banquet Hall 2 will host the Lightning Talk and Tech Demo stage, while Banquet Halls 1 and 3 will host Workshop sessions.

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Kenneth Kaunda Wing

First and second floor

The first floor is where our private meeting and roundtable session rooms are located as well as one dialogue room, A101–A116. We are also offering two rooms for private briefings: A108 and A109.

This floor features a large open area where you’ll find the Access Now Lounge and the Digital Security Clinic check-in desk. It’s also a great space to connect with fellow participants, network and enjoy a coffee break. In addition, the floor includes a prayer room and accessible and inclusive restrooms. From here, you can access Lunch Areas 2 and 3, located just north of the main hallway in an open space facing the outdoor area of the venue.

You can reach the first floor via two elevators, located on the north and south sides, as well as three staircases.

The second floor is our quiet floor, designed for participants who need to unwind, take a break from the discussions, or simply have a moment to themselves. This floor includes a digital detox room, a high-sensory room, and a quiet workspace. It also is where the media room is located, as well as a counselling room run by our psychosocial support practitioners. Additionally, our partners at Spring Coaching, will be providing free coaching and pitching sessions for the community.

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Mulungushi Wing

Ground and first floor

The Mulungushi Wing is a historic Zambian building and the original convention center that gives the complex its name. For RightsCon, it will serve as an additional space for participants to attend sessions and engage with Zambian culture.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a new addition for 2026: the Craft Village. This is a space to learn more about local Zambian culture, meet local creatives, and engage with our host country culture. This floor also includes one Workshop room (Room 1), accessible and inclusive restrooms, an elevator, and stairs leading to the first floor. Please note that the cafeteria and bar located on this floor are not affiliated with RightsCon and you’ll need to pay for any items you consume.

On the first floor, you can continue exploring the Craft Village and access four additional rooms for Workshops and Dialogue sessions (Rooms 2–5). This level can be reached via an elevator or two staircases.

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