In a significant move towards transparency and accountability, Zambia’s Access to Information Act came into effect on June 25, following the signing of the commencement order by Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa.
President Hakainde Hichilema had assented to the Access to Information Act in December 2023. This legislation grants citizens, the media, and civil society organizations (CSOs) the right to access information held by public authorities. The Act aims to enhance public participation, promote good governance, and combat corruption by ensuring government operations are conducted openly.
The implementation of this law marks a pivotal step in Zambia’s democratic journey, empowering the public to hold authorities accountable and fostering a culture of transparency. With the new law in place, Zambians can now request and obtain information about government activities, decisions, and policies, enabling informed public discourse and scrutiny.
As the Access to Information Act takes effect, it offers Zambians the chance to engage more actively in the democratic process. The media and CSOs, in particular, will play a crucial role in testing and utilizing the new law’s provisions to ensure it achieves its intended goals.
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