| Date: | 28th September 2026 |
| Title of Speech: | Welcome Remarks |
| Delivered By: | Acting Executive Director |
| Event: | SICEA RTI Project Launch |
| Venue: | InterContinental Hotel |
Salutations
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Media;
Representatives of the Human Rights Commission;
Representatives of Corruption Watch South Africa;
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations;
Cooperating Partners;
Members of the Media;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning and welcome.
On behalf of Transparency International Zambia, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this important event as we commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information and officially launch the policy brief titled Right to Information and Anti-Corruption in Southern Africa: Strengthening Accountability through a Fundamental Human Right. This policy brief is a joint publication of Transparency International Zambia and Corruption Watch South Africa under the Stopping Impunity for Corruption through Enhanced Accountability (SICEA) Project.
Today’s gathering comes at an important moment for Zambia. The enactment of the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023, followed by the adoption of guidelines and regulations in 2025, established an important foundation for citizens to exercise their right to information. The task before us now is to ensure that these provisions translate from law into meaningful access to information in practice.
For TI-Z, access to information is inseparable from the fight against corruption. Corruption thrives where public decisions, procurement processes and the management of public resources are hidden from scrutiny. Conversely, access to credible public information empowers citizens, journalists, civil society and oversight institutions to ask questions, expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.
This is particularly relevant as we commemorate this year’s International Day under the theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.” In an environment increasingly affected by misinformation and disinformation, timely and credible information from public institutions is essential to building public trust.
We therefore hope that today’s launch will go beyond presenting another policy document. We want it to stimulate practical discussion on strengthening implementation, proactive disclosure, institutional accountability and ensuring that the right to information is accessible to every citizen.
I wish to thank the Ministry of Information and Media, the Human Rights Commission, Corruption Watch South Africa, our cooperating partners, civil society, the media and all of you for joining us.
With those few remarks, I warmly welcome you all and wish us fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
