In this post, Nicholas Maple examines the complexities of refugee reception in Southern Africa. Using Zambia as a case study, he highlights how the historical 1970 Refugee (Control) Act continues to influence contemporary policies, despite the adoption of the more progressive 2017 Refugee Act. Maple emphasises the importance of localised approaches and the need to move away from restrictive encampment policies to integrate refugees into urban spaces and uphold their freedom of movement.