In the picture: Hon. Hon. Mrs. Justice Ruth H. Chibbabbuka (third) is accompanied by Ms. Lina Jere (second from right), Mr. Michelo Muhyila (second from left), Mr. Yamikani Ngoma (far left) , and Mrs. Thullani Nayanda Nakasamu (far right).
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The Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC), led by Commission Chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Justice Ruth H. Chibbabbuka is participating in the 2025 Association of Law Reform Agencies of Eastern and Southern Africa Conference and Annual General Meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Law Reform in Africa: Reimagining the Role of Law Reform Agencies in the Digital Era”.
This important forum has brought together law reform agencies from across the continent to reflect on how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping justice systems, regulatory landscapes and public institutions.
Mrs. Justice Ruth H. Chibbabuka is serving as a discussant in the session on AI and access to justice. In this role, she engages with thought-provoking presentations that address the ethical implications of AI in legal decision-making, questions of state responsibility in cross-border digital activities and evolving debates around legal personhood and civil liability in AI-driven environments. Her contributions highlight the importance of maintaining fairness, accountability, and human judgment as justice systems adapt to emerging technologies. Through her insights, ZLDC brings a strong and principled Zambian voice to continental discussions on safeguarding public trust in the digital era.
In addition to this contribution, ZLDC is delivering two presentations that focus on the future of law reform in an AI-enabled context. Mr. Yamikani Ngoma will present on “Building Inclusive Law Reform Institutions in Africa in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities for Public Institutions”. This presentation explores how AI can be utilised to broaden public participation, enhance transparency, and support evidence-based policy development. It underscores the importance of harnessing AI in ways that expand democratic engagement rather than diminish it.
The Commission will also present on “The Human Mandate in an AI-Driven Law Reform Environment”, through Ms. Lina Jere. This presentation will examine the enduring importance of human oversight as AI becomes more embedded in legal research and reform processes. It emphasises that while AI can improve efficiency and expand analytical capacity, ethical judgment, contextual understanding, and accountability remain uniquely human responsibilities that must anchor all reform efforts.
Through these contributions, the Zambia Law Development Commission reaffirms its commitment to promoting innovative, inclusive, and ethically grounded approaches to law reform as Africa embraces the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.