The International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) is currently underway in the Philippines, and one of the most important events at the conference was the meeting of the African region. This gathering provided an opportunity for African Information Commissioners to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their respective countries.

The meeting was observed by the Bermuda Information Commissioner, Gitanjali S. Gutierrez and was chaired by the Chairperson of the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) and the Information Regulator of South Africa, Adv. Pansy Tlakula. Executive members of ANIC including the Executive Secretary of the Right to Information Commission of Ghana, Yaw Sarpong Boateng Esq., the Information Commissioner for Kenya, Lucy Ndungu were present at the meeting as well as representatives from other member countries.

One of the key issues that emerged, was the importance of supporting each member state in developing its Information Management Systems. This support could take various forms, including the provision of technical expertise and assistance in the development of policies and guidelines.

Another crucial topic of discussion was the development of strategies aimed at encouraging the effective implementation of the RTI LAW in member countries. The Commissioners recognized that the passage of the law was just the first step, and there was a need for concerted effort to ensure that the law was implemented in practice. They discussed the importance of these strategies and their use in monitoring compliance with the law, as well as the need for public campaigns geared at raising awareness of citizens’ rights with regards to access to information held by public bodies.

Funding for the charter was also a key issue discussed at the meeting. The Commissioners recognized the development and implementation of effective information management systems required significant financial resources. They discussed the importance of exploring various funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to support the activities of RTI Commissions across the continent.

Finally, the Commissioners discussed the need for capacity building initiatives to support the development of effective implementations of the law. They recognized that many countries in the region lacked the technical expertise and resources necessary to develop and implement effective policies and practices. They emphasized the importance of developing programs that could provide training and support the Commissions of ANIC members.