Advocacy Groups Pushed for Stricter Transparency Laws
A new policy brief calls for enhanced right-to-information enforcement in South Africa and Zambia.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Corruption
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Transparency International Zambia and Corruption Watch have released a policy brief titled Strengthening Accountability through a Fundamental Human Right. The report highlights significant legal hurdles to transparency and proposes reforms to improve government accountability.
Why it matters
The brief argues that current legal frameworks in Southern Africa are insufficient to combat corruption effectively. It identifies persistent barriers that prevent the public from accessing critical information.
The report highlights 4 primary barriers to right-to-information laws, including weak enforcement and inadequate whistleblower protections. These findings compare existing statutes, such as Zambia's State Security Act No. 36 of 1969, against recent 2025 legislation.
The players
Transparency International Zambia
This is a non-governmental organization that works to promote transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors.
Corruption Watch
This organization monitors corruption and promotes ethical conduct through legal advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
The details
The report outlines how conflicting legislation and limited public access hinder oversight in the region. It specifically recommends that Zambia operationalize the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023 through comprehensive staffing and administrative rules.
Timeline
The State Security Act No. 36 was enacted in 1969.
The Access to Information Act No. 24 was enacted in 2023.
The NGO Act and the Cyber Security Act were enacted in 2025.
The policy brief was officially launched in Lusaka on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
The report serves as a critique of current legislative efficacy by comparing the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023 against legacy frameworks like the 1969 State Security Act. This work aims to shift regional standards toward modern transparency protocols.
The proposed reforms aim to provide citizens with greater access to government data, potentially increasing the success of anti-corruption oversight. Implementing these changes would require new administrative guidelines and staffing to ensure legal compliance.
The takeaway
Transparency advocacy relies on bridging the gap between enacted human rights legislation and practical administrative enforcement. Effective oversight requires consistent updates to legacy laws that prioritize secrecy over public access.
Further reading
For more on efforts to curb institutional misconduct, visit Corruption.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Zambia Monitor | Zambia Monitor.
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