The quest for transparency and access to public information remains a complex ordeal across Africa. A recent survey spanning 39 countries has revealed a deep desire among Africans to gain insight into local government budgets, contracts, and even the remuneration of public officials and educators. However, despite this widespread demand, the majority of citizens harbor doubts about their ability to obtain such information.

Notably, the reluctance to share public information has led to strong associations with perceptions of corruption and trust. The survey indicates that citizens in countries where access to information is perceived as challenging are more inclined to view government officials as corrupt and exhibit lower levels of trust in their elected leaders.

The slow implementation of right-to-information (RTI) laws across the continent exacerbates this issue. Although the number of African states adopting RTI laws is on the rise – with Zambia becoming the 28th country to enact such legislation in December – significant gaps in implementation persist. Restrictive clauses, lack of understanding by both public officials and citizens, as well as inadequate political will and oversight mechanisms, have been attributed to the poor execution of RTI laws in Africa.

Addressing this longstanding challenge requires a concerted effort at both continental and global levels. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted in 1981, emphasizes the right of every individual to receive information. Additionally, the African Union and the United Nations have incorporated objectives on public access to information into their respective agendas, providing clear benchmarks for progress.

While the proliferation of RTI laws underscores the palpable push for public access to information at the continental and global levels, the experiences of ordinary Africans paint a different picture. Despite the clamor for transparency, a prevailing skepticism lingers regarding the actual attainment of such information.

In conclusion, the journey towards realizing unencumbered access to public information in Africa is fraught with challenges. This necessitates a concerted effort to bridge the gap between policy enshrinement and practical implementation, ensuring that the fundamental right of access to public information becomes a tangible reality for all citizens.