Zimbabwe considerable strides in enhancing right to access to information

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in 2024 emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming access to information and participation in the public sector. Citizens are increasingly using the Freedom of Information Act to access information on public resource administration, fostering accountability and transparency. This empowerment extends to other rights, such as housing, environmental concerns, and human-wildlife conflict resolution. The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and MISA Zimbabwe have been actively training community-based organizations, journalists, and citizens on their rights to access information. However, challenges persist, as some public institutions have yet to appoint designated information officers or develop information disclosure policies as mandated by the Freedom of Information Act. In rural areas, citizens face difficulties accessing the necessary forms to make information requests, often traveling long distances to obtain them. MISA Zimbabwe urges the government to relax these requirements in remote areas to ensure the availability of the required forms. The Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees every citizen s right to access information held by the state or any government institution. As the world moves towards embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), access to credible and verifiable data becomes crucial. However, the scarcity of high-quality, diverse, and representative datasets poses a challenge for the adoption of AI in Africa. To address this issue, an Open Data Governance approach is needed, empowering stakeholders with standardized information to influence Large Language Models and Indigenous knowledge systems. This will enable African countries to create AI systems that effectively address their unique needs and challenges. In conclusion, while progress has been made in enhancing citizens right to access information, there are still significant challenges to overcome. The government must address the lack of designated information officers and standardized data collection practices in rural areas. Additionally, an Open Data Governance approach is essential to harness the power of data for positive change and to ensure Africa s active participation in the AI space.

Source: misa.org
Published on 2024-09-28

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