About Africa Freedom of Information Centre
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is the largest membership pan-African civil society organization and resource centre that promotes citizens right of access to information (ATI) in Africa. It was registered in Uganda in October 2010 and strives to become a reliable, dependable and all-round freedom of information support centre on the African continent. AFIC is comprised of 41 civil society organisations and Think Tank across 21 African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, DR. Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe).
AFIC promotes ATI through 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, regional and international bodies.
Governing Council/Board
Henri Christin Longendja
Elsy Sainna
Zoe Titus
Emmanuel S. Abdulai
Edetaen Ojo
Gilbert Sendugwa
Goals and Objectives
Over the course of the past ten years, there have been many advances to the right of access to information in the region in which AFIC has played an important role. Yet, there continues to be a great need for country-based advocacy. While there are 21 countries on the continent with access to information laws, in many cases these are not being well implemented or utilized, and/or they are in danger of backsliding; and 33 countries still lack statutory rights to information.
Consequently, there is a plethora of issues and activities in which AFIC might engage; in a sense, the organization is spoilt for choice. AFIC has identified those areas/themes that can serve the dual role of advancing ATI at the 2 regional level while also properly supporting its members.
To advance the ATI agenda in Africa
AFIC’s experience is that regional and international human rights and accountability mechanisms play an important complementary role to national frameworks.
To Advocate for the Passage of 10 Freedom of Information Laws in Africa
Through different approaches, AFIC and its members have successfully supported campaigns in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.
To promote FOI norms and standards for an effective implementation of ATI
Whereas targets have been developed, knowledge on what constitutes implementation of ATI laws is yet to be garnered.
To promote citizen’s active use of right to information frameworks
There is growing efforts and attention to promoting proactive disclosure of data held by the government in key areas such as budgets, procurement, licensing, extractives among others.
To generate and share knowledge of FOI/RTI
Expanding and deepening the ATI knowledge base in Africa is critical. It is essential to inform advocacy for good ATI laws, strengthen implementation and inform decision-making.
To promote social inclusion for minority groups through right to information
Access to information can contribute to advance the access of vulnerable people to resources, employment, social services and political space and therefore reduce inequality within countries.