About AFIC
AFIC
Who We Are
The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is a pan-African, membership-based civil society network and resource centre promoting the right of access to information, transparency and accountability across Africa. We do this by supporting national advocacy with comparative research, capacity strengthening, and technical support; by monitoring treaty compliance and implementation; and by leading continental and global advocacy.
Our Vision
An Africa where all citizens can exercise their right of access to information.
Our Mission
Support a pan-African net-work of actors to advance the right of access to information on the African continent.
Our Values
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Inclusivity
- Equality and equity
- Collaboration
Our membership and governance
AFIC was first registered in 2007 in Nigeria and then established a permanent office in Uganda in 2009. In the years since, our network has grown to include 46 civil society organisations and think tanks across 23 countries.
We are governed by a General Assembly (GA) of our members, which sits at least once every two years to provide overall strategic direction and elect a Governing Council (GC) that manages the Secretariat for a two-year term.
The Governing Council has two Committees, namely: Membership and Governance Committee and Audit and Finance Committee. These oversee the work of the Secretariat in respective spheres on a regular basis.
Why we focus on access to information
Access to information is both a fundamental human right and also a critical public account-ability tool. It is central to promoting democratic rule, advancing socio-economic justice, and ensuring government transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Right to Information is a recognised human right
As a fundamental human right, access to information is recognized by the United Nations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and by the AU through the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In addition, the African Union underscores the significance of access to information in public participation through its treaties. These include the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the African Youth Charter, and the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service Administration. The importance of advancing and enforcing access to information is similarly reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Most recently, in 2019, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted an expanded Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
“Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.”
Target 16.10.2 Sustainable Development Goals
An enabler of other rights
Access to information is a critical enabler of informed expression, participation in governance, and public accountability.
As the world implements its commitment to eradicating poverty and achieving sustain-able development through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, access to information is needed for the realization of other rights, such as physical and mental health, education, and equality.
Our strategic focus therefore undertakes access to information as a bridge to sustainable development.