News - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

Court Orders Nigeria’s Central Bank to Disclose Requested Information to Media Right Agenda, Pay Compensation for Wrongful Denial

In a major legal triumph for Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, ruled on June 14, 2023 that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must provide the organization with the information it requested in a letter dated May 22, 2020. The court also ordered the CBN to pay […]

MPs champion advocacy for Gender-Responsive Public Procurement

Members of Parliament have taken to the floor to call government’s attention to gender- responsive public procurement in Uganda. Hon. Shartsi Musherure, MP for Mawogola North in Sembabule championed the advocacy and passionately asked the Minister of Finance to share with Parliament why the regulations for reservation for special groups in public procurement are not in […]

AFIC and Media unite to advocate for Gender-responsive public procurement in Uganda

In a bid to promote gender responsive public Procurement in Uganda, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) hosted a media roundtable discussion on June 30th, 2023, at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. This engaging event brought together journalists, editors, reporters, and social media influencers to shed light on the barriers faced by women-led […]

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AFIC in Kenya: Media Vows to Report Cases of Injustice Surrounding the Access to Government Procurement Oportunities (AGPO)

The journalists in Kenya have vowed to expose all cases of misery, citizens face during their attempt to participate in the Access Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO). This followed a media round table discussion organized by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in collaboration with AFIC partners in Kenya, The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) that […]

AFIC in Kenya: Women-led Businesses Not Getting Enough Budget Allocation

Despite an increase in the number of women doing business with the government in Kenya, the amount allocated to them under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) remains low. AGPO is an affirmative action law that requires public entities to apportion at least 30% of procurement budget to businesses owned by women, youth and […]

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AFIC in Tanzania: PPRA announces plans to amend the Law to include Special Interest Groups

The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has announced plans to amend the law to include special interest groups in public procurement. This announcement was made by Mr. Masunya Nashon, the Manager of Research and Documents during a stakeholder engagement organised by AFIC in collaboration with The Chazo Initiative, at PPRA offices, Dodoma, Tanzania on 15th […]

Africa Freedom of Information Centre Engages in Successful Advocacy Activities in Ethiopia

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) recently concluded a series of successful engagements with state actors in Ethiopia as part of its advocacy activities. The focus of these activities was to promote gender-responsive public procurement and address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public procurement contracts in East Africa. The research study conducted […]

AFIC in Ethiopia: Media Round Table Discussion Sparks Commitment to Amplify Women-Led Businesses in Procurement

During a visit to Ethiopia from May 22nd to 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) embarked on a collaborative journey with its country partner, KAL Law Office, and partnered with the Inspired Ethiopian Youth Association (IEYA) to advance the cause of promoting gender-responsive public procurement. As part of its activities, AFIC organized […]

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AFIC in Ethiopia: Joint Committee Established to Address Barriers Faced by Women-Led Businesses in Accessing Public Procurement Contracts

In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public procurement, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) conducted advocacy activities in Ethiopia from 22nd to 26th May. The engagements that aimed to address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public procurement contracts in East Africa. One of the major activities […]

Inclusive Public Procurement: Empowering Women-Led Businesses in Tanzania

Public procurement plays a vital role in economic growth and development, as it provides opportunities for businesses to supply goods and services to the government. In Tanzania, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Chanzo conducted a research study to understand the barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in public […]

AFIC Calls for Diversity and Inclusiveness in Public Procurement at East African Business Expo

Africa Freedom of Information Centre(AFIC) had an opportunity to participate in the East African Business Expo from 4th to 7th May at UMA Grounds, Kampala, Uganda. The East African Business Expo is an annual event that brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from East Africa and beyond. The event provides a platform for businesses to […]

Women in Business Grow Study Launched in Kenya

TISA in collaboration with Women in Business (WIB) have launched women in business GROW Study at a women convening on 30th March 2023 at The Golden Tulip Hotel-Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting objective was to reflect on the significance of affirmative action in public procurement and propose solutions to the challenges facing women-led businesses in […]

AFIC Addresses United Nations Resident Coordinators on the Centrality of Access to Information in Respective Mandates

Public access to information is at the heart of the work of the United Nations System. Whether it is fighting poverty and corruption, promoting health and well being, education for boys and girls, gender equality, conflict prevention and management or climate justice, access to information is central Our Executive Director, Gilbert Sendugwa had an opportunity […]

Our New Report: Women Businesses left out in Government Procurement in East Africa

We are pleased to share our new report on the barriers and solutions to women’s participation in public procurement in Eastern Africa produced by Africa Freedom of Information Centre with our partners, The Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability. Gender inequality is a major challenge that concerns everyone, however, without tackling its […]

Report findings: Tanzania’s public procurement scheme lacks implementation

A recent regional study by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) indicates that Tanzania’s public procurement scheme, introduced seven years ago, has yet to be implemented successfully, raising questions about the success of its intended objectives. As AFIC continues to work around transparency and accountability issues in Africa, conducted a study in five countries of East […]

Trained Community Monitors Drive Transparency and Accountability in Health Service Delivery in Uganda

Challenge: Due to corruption and inefficiency in the execution of government contracts and services, many Ugandan communities have long struggled to exercise their fundamental human right to adequate healthcare. Despite commendable efforts by the government and other organizations to combat this vice in the sector, significant obstacles remain. This was the case at Lapeta Heath […]

How Disclosure and transparency in procurement affects Health and Education service delivery

A study by Africa Freedom of Information Centre conducted in 2022, in the five countries of Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria reveals a direct association between disclosure, contract supplies, and service delivery. The study based on selected indicators drawn in subject categories focused on disclosure and transparency, competition, inclusiveness, efficiency, fraud, collusion, and value for money. The […]

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Transparency and Accountability: AFIC engages officials in Gulu on performance of public contracts

On April 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre held an engagement meeting with district officials, municipal councils, and stakeholders in Gulu district at the Dove hotel in Gulu city. The purpose of the conference was to examine the results of data analysis on procurement processes and how to improve service delivery and value […]

Training on Gender and Conflict Sensitize Reporting post-2022 Elections in Uganda

The electoral processes in Africa have largely been characterized by lack of transparency and accountability with citizens not being informed on key issues such as the appointment of members of election management bodies, registration of voters, nomination of candidates and conduct of campaigns, polling dates and candidates, funding for political parties and candidates, polling, counting, […]

Study Findings: Why don’t Women-Led Businesses participate in public procurement?

Government procurement is the biggest public market in the world. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries spend an average of 12% of annual GDP procuring goods, works, and services while Low and Middle-Income countries spend an even greater proportion on such purchasing. Government procurement should be a game-changer in tackling labor […]

Citizen Engagement in Local Government Projects: How Citizens Can Fight Corruption in Local Government Projects.

The quality of citizen feedback has a significant role in determining the quality of integrity in public procurement. Under the Hewlett Foundation-funded project, From Disclosure to Impact: Deepening and Broadening Open Contracting in Africa, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) works to ensure quality citizen feedback by deepening and broadening their timely access to […]

Who Wins in a Low Transparency, High Corruption Environment?

Some government operations rely heavily on digital technology, which includes software, hardware, and services. Technology is used to generate revenue, deliver services, and engage citizens. Digital technology facilitates the delivery of public services, creates efficiencies, encourages citizen participation, and improves communications for local governments. “Digital Technology Systems are increasingly being embraced by governments in […]

Essay Competition on the Role of Youth in Promoting Access to Information in Africa

The IDUAI 2021 Continental Youth Essay Competition is intended to facilitate youth awareness and participation of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years in the adoption and implementation of the Access to Information Laws in Eastern Africa. As part of the 2021 IDUAI celebrations, the Essay competition will harness the creativity and […]

“Right to Know-Building Back Better with Access to Information”: AFIC and Partners Commemorate IDUAI 2021

Over 200 participants representing Inter-Governmental organizations, Government, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, and the UN system gathered online and in person at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda, for a public dialogue to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2021. The event was, organized by the Africa Freedom of Information […]

UNESCO and Partners Mark IDUAI 2021 with a Call to Strengthen Regional Legislation on Access to Information

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and its partners, joined the rest of the world to commemorate 28th September, the 2021 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) under the theme, The Right to Know: Building Back Better with Access to Information.” The regional dialogue, which was attended by participants from Eastern Africa and […]

Gambia becomes the latest addition to the African Union Member States with the Access to Information Act.

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) joins the rest of the world to congratulate the Gambia upon getting new Access to Information Act which was accented to by President Adama Barrow, after the National Assembly passed the Bill on 1st July, this year. The signing of ATI Bill 2021 into law makes it the first […]

It is time for the 5 Eastern African countries to pass access to information laws and implement them.

The human rights activists from Eastern Africa call on the member states without specific laws on Access to information to adopt immediately these to speed up the sustainable development of these countries through the culture of building strong transparency and accountability in the African continent. They made this call this week during a workshop organized […]

Building Knowledge Societies to ensure public Access to Information & protect Fundamental Freedoms in Eastern Africa

17-19 August 2021 One hundred forty-nine participants representing line Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Parliament, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, the Media and the UN system gathered online for a workshop to train stakeholders from across Eastern Africa on the Promotion of Knowledge Society Policy in National Information Policies in Eastern Africa organized by Africa Freedom of […]

Local firms getting less from supplying Digital Technology Systems

The study by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) attributed this finding to lack of technical expertise and small financial muscle to supply the systems. The study investigated the procurement and deployment of (DTS) in Liberia, Uganda and Nigeria. The main DTSs Uganda has invested in include biometric machines, biometric voter verification kits, CCTV […]

What are African governments using Digital Technology Systems for?

African governments are embracing the procurement of digital technology systems and the opportunities they present. The digital technology systems most African governments are adopting have the potential to transform governance and public services. Digital systems can increase access to government services, improve the quality of service, and save government money. Digital technologies also provide governments […]

Less than 1% of the value of public contracts for Digital Technology Systems is disclosed; a case of Uganda, Liberia and Nigeria.

To support citizens’ right to information (right to know) concerning the procurement and governance of DTS, AFIC in partnership with CEMESP and PPDC, with support from the Omidyar Network conducted a pilot study on “Government Procurement of Digital Technology Systems (DTSs) in Africa”. This study attempted to understand the proportion of DTS public sector contracts […]

Is the procurement of digital technology systems transparent? A case of Uganda, Liberia and Nigeria.

This article is part of a pilot study which investigated the procurement and deployment of Digital Technology Systems in Liberia, Uganda and Nigeria, conducted by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in partnership with CEMESP and PPDC with support from Omidyar Network. Digital technology systems are increasingly being used by most Governments in Africa, as well […]

AFEX Calls on African Governments to Ensure Safety of Journalists, Respect Digital Rights.

The Eighth General Meeting of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a network of African freedom of expression and media development organisations which are members of the global press freedom advocacy network, IFEX, was held in Accra, Ghana, from 25 to 26 June 2021. The meeting forms part of the major events of the […]

Concerns of freedom of expression violations in Eswatini

In the last few weeks, countless protests against police brutality, corruption and for democratic reforms have spread throughout Eswatini. After the mysterious murder of a young student, Thabani Nkomonye at the hands of police, many took to the streets, calling for justice and investigations into the incident. These protests grew into social protests across the […]

Enhancing Performance and Accountability in Public Procurement in Uganda: Lessons learned.

The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) implemented a GPSA funded project, ‘Enhancing Performance and Accountability of Social Service Contracts in Uganda’ ” to enhance to enhance transparency and accountability of public contracting in the agriculture, education and health sectors through support to meaningful engagement between civil society and government. The project also sought to […]

Digital rights featured prominently at African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights 68th session

Digital rights featured prominently at the 68th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held virtually from 14 April to 4 May 2021. The session also provided a platform to take stock of the general state of the human rights situation on the continent and brought together, for frank and constructive exchange, various […]

Access denied – Freedom of information in Africa falls short of public expectations

The African Platform on Access to Information (2011), adopted a decade ago by a group of leading African media and information stakeholders, recognizes access to information as a fundamental human right. Since endorsed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (2019) and the Pan-African Parliament (2013), the platform stipulates that “information held by […]

Who should control what gets shared over social media

Recent decisions on regarding one of social media’s well-known users, former US President Donald Trump, have ignited a broad, global debate on Big Tech’s role in controlling content. With the public space having moved online- it’s where we live, learn, work and protest- there’s a lot at stake with content moderation. IFEX reached out to […]

Strengthening Integrity and Accountability in Public Procurement

In an increasingly competitive and unstable global environment, procurement strategies and project management practices are undergoing continuous changes. These changes result in a reduction in efficiency, increase in costs and risk exposure; the need for public integrity in public procurement. While at the recently concluded 13th East Africa Procurement Forum in Kigali, Rwanda which was […]

Russia: Letter in solidarity with Ivan Pavlov

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is pleased to join over 90 other organisations and individuals in endorsing a letter in solidarity with Ivan Pavlov, a Russian human rights activist and lawyer who has been criminally charged with disclosing data of a preliminary investigation which has been declared secret. The likely reason for these charges […]

Twaweza-Uganda, AFIC and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance officially launch the Access to Information Guide for civil servants in Uganda.

Twaweza Uganda and Africa Freedom of Information Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have today the 6th of May 2021, officially launched the Access to Information Guide for Civil Servants. The Minister for State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Peter Ogwal, officiated this. In 2005, Uganda enacted the Access […]

Why women participation in public procurement should matter in Malawi.

Annually, African governments spend over 60% of national budget through public contracting while over 70% of Malawi Governments’ annual budget is spent through public procurement (Hivos report). Women-owned enterprises win less than 1% of contracts. However, over the last decade, governments and multilateral development organizations have increased programs that promote gender equality. The Organization for […]

Towards gender balance: Understanding the barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in East Africa.

The World Bank (2020) estimates that public procurement accounts for between 13-20% of global GPD every year, amounting to a staggering USD 9.5 trillion . Public procurement thus represents an unprecedented opportunity to boost local economies and drive development and growth. Unlocking this potential, however, is critically dependent on robust mechanisms that hold governments accountable […]

A call for the media in Zambia to intensify public education as the election season peaks

As we countdown to 12th August 2021 when Zambia will hold general elections to elect the Republican President, Members of Parliament, Councilors, Council Chairperson and Mayors, the media must intensify its public education efforts to inform and influence citizens participation in the electoral process. The preamble of the Constitution of Zambia contains, among other provisions, […]

Strengthening the Performance of Public Contracts at Local Government Level

In August 2019, Africa Freedom of Information Centre conducted a contracts monitoring of selected districts for FY2018/19, and it was observed that strengthening the performance of public contracts at local government in Uganda will be an important factor for ensuring that both the government and its constituents, the citizens’ participation, achieve the full benefits of […]

PSAf calls for abolition of restrictive media laws.

PANOS Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) has called for the reformation or abolition of restrictive laws that are limiting citizens’ use of the media and other platforms to seek, share and receive information as a public good in a manner that will enable them to participate in and contribute to the attainment of the development agendas. […]

Safety of Journalists is Imperative for Credibility of Elections.

Gambia Press Union Statement on World Press Freedom Day 3rd May 2021 This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, which was developed by African journalists pressing for a free, independent, and pluralistic African press. This is the declaration that gave birth to the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in 1991. The […]

Zoe Titus: A formidable force working behind the scenes

If you rely solely on digital footprints, you might not be aware of Zoe Titus’s extensive contribution to the media rights landscape on the African continent over two decades. For Titus, her work has always been about getting the work done, often behind the scenes “Never, never undermine the importance of people who do not […]

Panos Institute Southern Africa calls for actualization of access to information laws in Southern Africa

Lusaka, Zambia 30 April 2021. Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) urges governments in the region to put in place the necessary legal and policy interventions to actualize the realization of press freedom in their countries, to allow the media to effectively play its role of facilitating the use of information as a public good. Ahead […]

Freedom of expression and the media are essential for development.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DURING THE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY CONFERENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN Hon Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services; Hon. Paulino Lokudu, Minister of Information , Central Equatoria Your Excellency Larry E Andre, Jr USA Ambassador to South Sudan Your Excellency Jonny Baxter, British Ambassador to South Sudan Mr. […]

Information as a Public Good: 30 years after the Windhoek Declaration.

Every 3rd May, the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is commemorated worldwide, to strengthen the call for media freedom and to uphold the commitment to a free press as an absolute cornerstone of democratic society. This year’s theme, Information as a Public Good, is a strong call to reaffirm the value of preserving information as […]

Reinforcing the Transparency of Online Platforms, an Essential Pillar for Information to Remain a Public Good

The recent developments highlighting the need for greater online platform transparency have prompted many businesses to consider implementing this measure into their respective structures. However, one must remember that without appropriate measures to ensure the same, such measures may do more harm than good. For instance, by implementing strict measures against fake profiles on social […]

AFIC Annual General Assembly endorses the new 5 year Strategic Plan 2021-2025

PRESS STATEMENT ON AFIC’S 2021 – 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN 24TH MARCH 2021 The Governing Council and Members of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) are today 24th March 2021 pleased to launch our new strategic plan themed, “Access to Information: The Bridge to Sustainable Development”. The strategic plan is informed by collective lessons from […]

Why Access to Information in Africa Matters?

25 African countries have adopted Access to Information (ATI) laws while 30 are yet to do so. Through multiple treaties, the African Union recognizes the right of ATI by every individual, as a human and peoples’ right, and also as a tool for the promotion of democracy, anticorruption, and public participation. Africa Freedom of Information […]

Overcoming Women’s Barriers to Participating in Entrepreneurship and Public Procurement in Africa

Ruth Namara ,Bo Rosenfelt Clausen and Gilbert Sendugwa| 17th February 2021 Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) was a grant awardee in the latest round of research under the Feminist Open Government Initiative, a program led by Results for Development (R4D) and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that seeks to increase gender perspectives in […]

“A lot has been achieved, but yet, a lot needs to be done.” CoST Uganda launches the 4th Assurance Report.

Remarks from the Senior Regional Manager, Africa Dear Stakeholders, Colleagues and Friends of CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative I am very happy to see you all here and to welcome you to the launch of the CoST Uganda’s 4th Assurance Report. CoST Uganda is among the 6 CoST members from Africa, (Uganda, Tanzania, […]

Participation of Nebbi District Local Government in contract monitoring enhances value for money at Atego Seed School.

AFIC conducted the second contracts monitoring process follows the first one that accessed contracts in Kabale, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Pakwach, and Nebbi districts for the FY 2018/19. The process was aimed at assessing the implementation of the recommendations and commitments made by the stakeholders of various PDEs from the first contract monitoring exercise; determining the […]

Does access to manifesto information influence voters’ decisions?

Access to information empowers the electorate to be well informed about political processes with due regard to their best interests: to elect political office holders; to participate in decision-making processes on the implementation of laws and policies; and to hold public officials accountable for their acts or omissions in the execution of their duties. Access […]

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