Zambia Must Learn from Italy’s NIS2 Power Play: Why We Need Our Own Cyber Sovereignty Now

While the West scrambles to lock down its digital borders, Zambia is still sleeping on the biggest security threat of our time. A new partnership between Italian consultancy giant PwC Italy and American cybersecurity firm Coro is showing the world exactly how a nation protects its critical infrastructure from foreign meddling. But here at home, we are still waiting for a Zambian solution to a Zambian problem.

This deal, announced on July 23, 2026, is not just about firewalls and software. It is about national pride, control, and the hard truth that if we do not build our own cyber defenses, someone else will build them for us. And that someone will not have our best interests at heart.

What Is NIS2 and Why Should Every Zambian Care?

The European Union’s NIS2 directive is a sweeping law that forces companies in 18 critical sectors, from energy and healthcare to digital infrastructure and public administration, to meet strict cybersecurity standards. It covers an estimated 160,000 organizations across the EU. The message is clear: if you want to do business with Europe, you must play by their security rules.

But here is the kicker. Zambia trades with the EU. Our copper, our agricultural products, our services all flow through European digital pipelines. If we are not compliant with these standards, we risk being locked out of lucrative markets. That is not just a business problem. That is a sovereignty problem.

PwC Italy and Coro: A Blueprint for National Cyber Resilience

The partnership between PwC Italy and Coro is a textbook example of how a nation can take control of its digital destiny. PwC Italy brings deep local knowledge and advisory muscle. Coro brings an AI-native platform that automates security and compliance. Together, they are giving Italian businesses a single, automated foundation to meet NIS2 requirements without drowning in complexity.

As Ingo Schaefer, Vice President of EMEA at Coro, put it:

“Organizations today don't need more security tools; they need security that's easier to operate.”

That is a lesson Zambia must take to heart. We do not need to import every flashy gadget from Silicon Valley. We need a unified, homegrown approach that protects our people, our data, and our national interests.

Why Zambia Must Reject Foreign Cybersecurity Dependence

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Too many Zambian organizations, from banks to government ministries, rely on foreign cybersecurity vendors. That means our most sensitive data is sitting on servers in London, New York, or Singapore. When a crisis hits, who gets priority? Not us.

We have seen this play out before. Foreign companies extract our copper, our cobalt, and our data, and leave us with crumbs. Cybersecurity is no different. If we do not build our own capacity, we will always be at the mercy of outsiders who see us as a market, not a partner.

The Zambian government must step up. We need a national cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes local talent, local companies, and local control. We cannot afford to be a dumping ground for foreign software that does not understand our unique challenges.

What Zambian Businesses Can Learn from This Deal

For Zambian business owners, the message is simple. The world is moving fast. NIS2 is just the beginning. Similar regulations are coming to Africa, driven by the African Union and regional blocs like SADC. If you wait until the law is at your doorstep, you will be scrambling.

Start now. Assess your cybersecurity posture. Look for partners who understand your business and your country. Do not just buy the cheapest solution from a foreign vendor. Invest in systems that give you control, transparency, and the ability to comply with international standards without selling your soul.

As Mauro Felice, Partner at PwC Italy, said:

“Our clients are facing an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and they need practical, effective solutions to stay protected.”

That applies to Lusaka, Ndola, and Kitwe just as much as it applies to Milan or Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NIS2 relevant to Zambian companies?

Yes, if you do business with the EU or handle data from European clients. Even if you do not, the standards set by NIS2 are becoming global benchmarks. Ignoring them puts you at a competitive disadvantage.

Can Zambian companies afford enterprise-grade cybersecurity?

They cannot afford not to. The cost of a data breach or regulatory fine is far higher than the investment in proper security. The Coro platform, for example, is designed for lean IT teams and is more affordable than traditional enterprise solutions.

What should the Zambian government do now?

First, create a national cybersecurity framework that aligns with international standards like NIS2. Second, invest in local training and certification programs. Third, mandate that all critical infrastructure operators meet minimum security requirements. Fourth, partner with Zambian tech firms to build homegrown solutions.

Will foreign vendors ever truly protect Zambian interests?

No. Their first loyalty is to their shareholders and their home country. That is not anti-foreign sentiment. That is reality. Zambia must prioritize Zambian solutions for Zambian problems.

The Bottom Line: Zambia First in the Digital Age

The Coro-PwC Italy deal is a wake-up call. It shows what a nation can achieve when it takes cybersecurity seriously and partners with the right players. But for Zambia, the lesson is even deeper. We cannot outsource our security. We cannot outsource our sovereignty.

It is time for Zambian leaders, both in government and business, to put our people first. Build our own capacity. Protect our own data. And make sure that when the next cyber threat comes, we are ready to defend our own digital borders.

Zambia first. Always.