African Network of Information Commissions
Promoting and Protecting the right to Information
ANIC was established to enhance cooperation and collaboration among information commissions in Africa, and to promote the right to access information as a fundamental human right.
ABOUT ANIC
Welcome to Africa Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC), a platform that brings together members of access to information oversight bodies from African countries. This important platform brings together Information Commissioners, Ombudsmen, and other Regulatory Authorities, including Transparency Councils or Boards responsible for protecting, promoting and regulating the respect of the right of access to information within their respective jurisdictions in Africa. We currently have 16 members including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, and Zambia.
The creation of ANIC was conceived in March 2019 during the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) held in Johannesburg, South Africa with the purpose of establishing a formal forum for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange of knowledge and experience amongst its members. At the sidelines of the 13th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) held in Puebla, Mexico from June 22-24, 2022, ANIC approved its Charter and held its first elective conference.
We envision being an international and regional reference forum promoting the exercise of the right of access to public information in Africa, connecting the continent’s regulatory authorities and strengthening the democracy of member countries through greater transparency and accountability. Our mission is to promote the development of transparency policies and access to public information in Africa, through the exchange of good practices, specific knowledge, and the promotion of international cooperation. This approach will help strengthen policies, institutions, and the strategies of action used by authorities responsible for transparency laws in countries all over the continent.
MEET THE CHAIRPERSON
ADV PANSY TLAKULA
Chairperson of the Information Regulator, South Africa
Pansy Tlakula holds a B. Proc degree from the University of the North( now the University of Limpopo), an LL.B degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and an LL.M degree from Harvard University. In 2006 she was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Legal Studies by the Vaal University of Technology
MISSION
Promote the development of transparency policies and access to public information in Africa, through the exchange of good practices, specific knowledge and the promotion of international cooperation.
This approach will help strengthen policies, institutions and the strategies of action used by authorities responsible for transparency laws in countries all over the continent.
VISION
To be an international reference forum promoting the exercise of the right of access to public information in Africa, connecting the continent’s regulatory authorities and strengthening the democracy of member countries through greater transparency and accountability.
VALUES
The guiding principles of ANIC are:
- Respect and Integrity: All members agree that they shall respect the independence and sovereignty of each member country and ensure that there is openness in the decision-making process.
- Independence and Impartiality: ANIC shall discharge its role in an unbiased manner and without interference by any individual or authority.
- Cooperation and Inclusion: All members agree to cooperate and permit the inclusion of every member in ensuring the objectives are met.
- Advocacy: ANIC shall advocate and promote access to information across the African continent.
- Accountability and Transparency: All members shall be open, accountable and responsive in the conduct of all ANIC affairs.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
MEMBERS
| Position | Country | Representative | Contact
|
ChairpersonInformation Regulator | South Africa | Adv. Pansy Tlakula | PTlakula@inforegulator.org.za |
Vice ChairpersonRight to Information http://rtic.gov.gh
| Ghana | Yaw Sarpong Boateng | yaw.boateng@artic.gov.sl |
TreasurerNational commission for the control of personal data protection | Morocco | Mr.Omar Segrouchni | omar.seghrouchni@cndp.ma |
MemberRight of Access to Information Commission | Sierra Leonne | Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw | ibrahim.shaw@raic.gov.sl |
MemberOffice of the obundsman | Kenya |
Country/ Organisation | Representative/ Title | Contact
|
MalawiMalawi Human Rights Commission | Mr. Baldwin ChiyamwakaCommissioner | |
SeychellesInformation Commission https://www.infocom.sc/ | Ms. Thereza DogleyChief Executive Officer | tdogley@infocom.sc |
MoroccoNational Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection https://www.rapdp.org/ | Mr. Omar SeghrouchniPresident | omar.seghrouchni@cndp.ma |
RwandaOffice of Ombudsman | Ms. Nirere MadeleineOmubdsman | omb1@ombudsman.gov.rw ombudsinfo@ombudsman.gov.rw |
Cote d’IvoireCommission for Access to Public Information | Mr. Kone MamadouDirector of Information and Communication | kone68uk@yahoo.co.uk |
South SudanInformation Commission | Hon. Moyiga Nduru | moyiganduru@gmail.com |
TogoMediator of the Republic | Mme Daboya Awa Abdou-Nana Amadou | mediateurtogo@gmail.com |
EthiopiaOffice of the Ombudsman | Dr. Endale HaileOmbudsman | endalehaile17@gmail.com |
LiberiaInformation Commission | Mr. Mark B Freeman | contact@iicliberia.org |
South AfricaOffice of the Information Regulator |
Who has the right to access public information?
In most countries, access to public information is a right that is granted to all citizens. However, the specific laws and regulations that govern access to public information may vary from country to country.
What is access to public information?
Access to public information refers to the right of individuals to access information held by government agencies and other public bodies. This information may include records, reports, studies, and other documents that are considered to be in the public domain.
What types of information can be accessed through public information laws?
Generally, public information laws provide access to a wide range of information that is held by government agencies and other public bodies. This may include information related to government policies, decisions, and actions, as well as records related to public health, safety, and the environment.
How can I request access to public information?
The process for requesting access to public information may vary depending on the country or jurisdiction. However, in most cases, individuals can submit a written request to the relevant government agency or public body. The request should include specific details about the information being requested and the reasons for the request.
What are some reasons that a request for public information may be denied?
There are several reasons why a request for public information may be denied, including concerns about national security, privacy, and confidentiality. In some cases, information may also be withheld if it is deemed to be too sensitive or too expensive to release.
Can I appeal a decision to deny my request for public information?
Yes, in many countries, individuals have the right to appeal a decision to deny their request for public information. This may involve submitting an appeal to a higher authority or filing a lawsuit in court.