Across Africa, communities are demanding transparency, accountability, and inclusion in governance. Yet, despite growing commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, gaps persist. Citizens continue to face barriers to information, women and marginalized groups are excluded from opportunities, corruption undermines trust, and climate change threatens progress.
To respond with urgency and collective strength, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), together with its network of members across the continent, has launched four specialized working groups. These groups bring together 56 AFIC member organizations to pool knowledge, share resources, and drive coordinated action from local to global levels.
Why Working Groups in Africa?
The challenges faced by the continent are complex and interconnected. No single organization can solve them alone. Working groups provide:
A space for collaboration across countries and sectors.
A platform for innovation, where members can test and scale ideas.
A channel for advocacy, ensuring African voices shape continental and global policy debates.
A bridge between local realities and international commitments, translating promises into impact.
The Four Working Groups
Access to Information (ATI) and digital rights
Focused on strengthening laws, policies, and practices to make the right to information a reality acrossthe continent Africa. This group works to support citizens, journalists, and civil society in demanding and using information to improve governance and service delivery.Transparency and Accountability
Public procurement consumes up to 60% of national budgets across Africa. This group is dedicated to fighting corruption, promoting open contracting, and ensuring public resources deliver for citizens.Inclusion of Women and Other Marginalised Groups
Women, youth, and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in economic and political life. This group champions policies and practices that unlock opportunities, break barriers, and ensure no one is left behind.Climate Justice
As Africa faces the brunt of the climate crisis, this group amplifies voices from vulnerable communities, promotes transparency in climate financing, and advocates for just and equitable solutions.
What this means for Africa going forward
These working groups are more than technical teams; they are communities of practice. Together, they will conduct research, shape policies, build capacity, and push for accountability at national, continental, and global levels.
By joining forces, AFIC and its members ensure that local efforts connect to global change, from monitoring SDG progress to engaging with African Union processes and international human rights standards.
“Collective action is our strongest tool. With these four working groups, AFIC and its members are taking collaboration to the next level, turning challenges into opportunities and opportunities into impact.” Gilbert Sendugwa, ED AFIC
Check out AFIC’s strategic plan
