Zambia’s Access to Information Law, enacted in 2023, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. After over 20 years of legislative efforts, the law became operational in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in advancing public participation in governance. However, challenges have emerged, including the lack of official forms and procedures for requesting information, a culture of governmental secrecy, broad exemptions, and the overburdened Human Rights Commission. To address these issues, resolutions were proposed, including the Ministry of Information releasing regulations and guidelines, training civil servants to promote openness and transparency, providing additional resources to the Human Rights Commission, conducting public awareness campaigns, clarifying the interaction between the Access to Information Act and the Data Protection Act, and encouraging public institutions to proactively disclose non-sensitive information.
Mr. Dickson Jere, Managing Partner at Dickson Jere & Associates, leading the discussion on the topic “The Adequacy of Zambian Access to Information Legislation in Facilitating Development and Participation” at the inaugural National Law Conference.
A delegate following the discussion on the topic “The Adequacy of Zambian Access to Information Legislation in Facilitating Development and Participation” at the inaugural National Law Conference.
A delegate following the discussion on the topic “The Adequacy of Zambian Access to Information Legislation in Facilitating Development and Participation” at the inaugural National Law Conference.