Today is International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This globally recognised observance underscores the significance of access to information as a fundamental human right, an essential component of democracy, and a catalyst for transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. It encourages governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals to work collectively toward ensuring that information is readily available to all members of society.

The 38th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared 28 September as IDUAI on 17 November 2015 (Resolution 38C/70). Building on UNESCO’s declaration, the 74th United Nations General Assembly officially adopted 28 September as IDUAI on 15 October 2019 (Resolution 74/5). This formal recognition at the highest level of international governance underscores the universality and importance of this day. IDUAI’s 2023 theme is “The Importance of Online Spaces for Access to Information.”

Universal access to information means everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. Access to information is a fundamental human right guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 4 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa. Access to information is also recognised as a prerequisite for sustainable development and safeguarding human rights. Agenda 2030, specifically SDG target 16.10, calls for ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms.

IDUAI holds significant relevance for Africa as it emphasises the importance of access to information as a catalyst for good governance, sustainable development, democracy, economic growth and the empowerment of marginalised communities. However, ensuring access to information in Africa remains a work in progress. While significant strides have been made in recent years, several challenges still need to be addressed.

Three key issues to overcome include:

• Limited implementation of access to information laws – although many African countries have enacted access to information laws or policies, implementation remains challenging. In some cases, the legal framework exists, but government agencies are not effectively providing access to information to citizens. This limited implementation undermines the intended transparency and accountability goals of these laws.
• Digital divide and unequal access – the digital divide in Africa poses a substantial challenge to access to information. Many African citizens, especially those in rural or underserved areas, lack access to the Internet and digital technologies. With the increasing digitisation of information, this gap can result in unequal access to critical data and government resources.
• Threats to freedom of expression and press freedom – press freedom and freedom of expression are essential for access to information. Unfortunately, many African countries are increasingly characterised by closing civic space and eroding basic human rights. Restrictions on civic space often translate into limited media freedom. Journalists, media outlets and activists are threatened, censored or harassed when they attempt to access or share information critical of governments or powerful entities. These threats impede the free flow of information.

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts by governments, civil society and other roleplayers. It involves enacting and enforcing access to information laws, promoting digital inclusion, protecting freedom of expression, and fostering a culture of transparency and openness in public institutions. IDUAI serves as a reminder of the importance of overcoming these challenges to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to access information and participate in democratic processes across the continent.

Africa is fortunate that several local NGOs and other civil society formations actively promote issues related to IDUAI and access to information in general. Many of these organisations were also involved in the advocacy efforts which contributed to the UN’s proclamation of the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The following ten African NGOs are acknowledged for playing a leadership role in championing access to information issues on the continent:

African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX)

AFEX is a continental network of some of Africa’s most influential media rights advocacy and freedom of expression organisations. Founded in 2013, AFEX currently consists of 15 organisations, all members of IFEX, the global free expression network. Some AFEX members only work in specific African countries, while others work across sub-regions. Through collective engagement and commitment of its members, AFEX’s vision is to have “an Africa where all peoples are free to express themselves.” AFEX seeks to promote freedom of expression (offline and online) and human rights through advocacy, campaigns, and capacity-building to ensure the effectiveness of its members and other free expression groups. Its freedom of expression (FOE) and access to information advocacy work is evidence-based. It involves the monitoring and reporting of FOE violations and developments, which also covers aspects of freedom of assembly and association rights. AFEX also prepares issue-specific statements, organises petitions, and undertakes fact-finding missions. 

African Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC)

AFIC is the largest pan-African membership organisation and resource centre that promotes the right to information (ATI), transparency, accountability and inclusive development across Africa. With 51 members in 27 African countries, its vision is to create an Africa where all citizens can exercise their right to access information. Founded in 2010, and based in Kampala, Uganda, AFIC focuses on comparative research, coordinating regional advocacy, facilitating information-sharing and capacity building. It promotes democratic rule and socio-economic justice for African citizens through fostering a culture of increased transparency, integrity and accountability among governments and regional and international bodies. AFIC successfully led global campaigns for the proclamation of 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information by UNESCO in 2015 and the UN General Assembly 2019, as well as other notable resolutions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) Campaign Working Group

The African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) Declaration was adopted at the Pan African Conference on Access to Information (PACAI) on 19 September 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa. It lists several critical principles intended to advance the right to access information in all its dimensions and represents the first declaration on access to information on the African continent. The Working Group, hosted by AFIC, is a network of NGOs promoting access to information in Africa. It was created to develop a platform for joint activities nationally, regionally and internationally. The Working Group successfully lobbied the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

CIPESA promotes inclusive and effective use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Africa for improved governance and livelihoods. It conducts research and contributes information on the policy, legislative and practice environment affecting ICT in Africa; advocates and raises awareness on threats to free speech, access to information, equal access, privacy and security online and opportunities for technology to advance democratic participation, transparency and accountability in governance; facilitates multi-stakeholder conversations on protecting and promoting internet rights; conducts strategic litigation; and builds movements, knowledge and skills development in digital rights policy engagement, digital literacy, digital security, social accountability and human rights monitoring. CIPESA is hosting its annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa from 27-29 September 2023 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)

MFWA is the most prominent and influential media development and freedom of expression organisation in West Africa. Founded in 1997, and based in Accra, Ghana, it works with a network of national partner organisations in 16 West African countries. Its mission is to promote and defend the right to freedom of expression of all persons, particularly the media and human rights defenders in West Africa. Since its inception, MFWA and its partners have successfully promoted and advocated for freedom of expression, media rights, and access to information in West Africa. MFWA also serves as the secretariat for the Africa Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and works in partnership with other regional and international organisations such as IFEX, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI). It enjoys Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), works closely with the regional inter-governmental body, ECOWAS, and engages frequently with mechanisms of the African Union and the United Nations.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

MISA is an umbrella organisation representing national chapters in 11 Southern African countries. Founded in 1992, MISA defends and promotes media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information as envisaged in the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media in Africa. It aims to create a media environment in Southern Africa that has a vibrant, professional and participatory media sector; sustains independence, pluralism and a diversity of views and opinions, media sustainability, competency and professionalism; and allows all members of society to exercise their right to access information and their basic human right to express themselves through any media they choose freely. MISA’s work covers specific issues such as media freedom monitoring, media law reform, media freedom and independence, digital rights, access to information, and media and elections.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

MRA focuses on promoting and protecting the right to freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, media development, and digital rights and freedoms in Nigeria. Founded in 1993, MRA’s activities seek to create an environment where journalists and media organisations can operate freely, citizens can access information, and government institutions are transparent and accountable to the public. Specific activities include advocating to advance media rights and freedom of expression; advocating for the implementation and effective use of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) since its passage in 2011; conducting training workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programmes for journalists, NGOs and government officials; providing legal defence and support for journalists and media organisations facing legal challenges or threats to their freedom of expression; conducting research on media rights, access to information, and press freedom in Nigeria; and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about their rights to freedom of expression and access to information. MRA also collaborates with other organisations and networks dedicated to media freedom and human rights in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa.

Namibia Media Trust (NMT)

NMT aims to promote and defend the principles of media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information in Namibia and beyond. Founded in 1985, NMT conducts policy, advocacy, research and capacity-building interventions, covering issues such as promoting media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information; promoting excellence in journalism; promoting media ethics and professionalism; promoting media literacy; and building the capacity of journalists and media professionals. NMT also hosts the ACTION Coalition, a grouping of like-minded Namibian organisations and activists dedicated to raising awareness about access to information and freedom of expression issues, including campaigning and advocating for a formal and comprehensive access to information legislative framework to improve accountability and transparency across all sectors of Namibian society.

Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

PPDC is driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government in Nigeria and citizens empowered to actively participate in governance processes at all levels using tech tools. Its programmes and activities are designed to promote values and initiatives which drive institutional, behavioural and systemic change on a large scale and in a way that will benefit society and its development. Founded in 2003, PPDC pioneered procurement and contract monitoring activities in Nigeria using the FOI Act as a tool to source relevant procurement data from public institutions. Its Budeshi platform, which includes over 10 000 datasets, enables citizens to access procurement data in digital and easy-to-use formats. PPDC also successfully advocated for the adoption of the Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) and currently leads the charge in demanding its full implementation. PPDC’s work is informed by cutting-edge research, data mining, analysis and visualisations coupled with extensive communications experience.

Right2Know (R2K) Campaign

The Right2Know Campaign, launched in August 2010, has grown into a social movement centred on freedom of expression and access to information in South Africa. It is a democratic, activist-driven campaign that strengthens and unites citizens to raise public awareness, mobilise communities and undertake research and targeted advocacy to ensure the free flow of information necessary to meet people’s social, economic, political and ecological needs. Its campaigns focus on three key focus areas, namely “Advance Protest Rights”, “Communication Rights” and “Participatory Democracy”.

David Barnard is a consultant to African NGOs, foundations and funders.