The Human Rights Commission – Zambia (HRC-Z) has urged information holders to proactively disclose information in line with the Access to Information (ATI) Act No. 24 of 2023.
The call was made during stakeholder engagement meetings held on 25th and 27th August 2026 at Wamulungwe Guest House in Kasama, Northern Province, and Sali Riverside Resort in Mansa, Luapula Province, respectively.
HRC-Z Manager for Compliance and Legal Services, Mr. Chilambe Mpanga, said proactive disclosure was essential to strengthening transparency and accountability in the operations of public institutions, private institutions that utilise public funds, and institutions holding information of significant public interest, collectively known as information holders.
Mr. Mpanga explained that information holders are required to make key information publicly available via government gazettes, newspapers of wide circulation and electronic platforms, without waiting for members of the public to formally request it.
He said such information should include details of institutional supervision and decision-making structures, contracts, as well as physical addresses and contact details.
Mr. Mpanga further highlighted the role of the ATI law which gives effect to the constitutional right to freedom of expression, noting that access to information empowers citizens to participate in public affairs and hold office bearers accountable.
He added that access to information also enables public officials to discharge their mandates within the law and supports journalists in producing accurate, comprehensive and evidence-based investigative stories.
Meanwhile, Luapula Provincial Administration Assistant Secretary, Mr. John Mwasha, urged public institutions to comply with the ATI Act by ensuring that the disclosure of information meets the general limitation on access to information provided under the law.
Mr. Mwasha commended HRC-Z for sensitising information holders on their obligations under the Act, describing the engagements as an important step towards promoting transparency and accountable governance.
The meetings in Kasama and Mansa were the final information holder and requester engagements conducted by HRC-Z across all provincial centres in Zambia.
The engagements were held with financial support from the European Union through GIZ.
