Freetown, 18th March 2026– The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has engaged civil society organizations and the media as part of preparations for Sierra Leone to host the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) later this year.
The engagement, held at the Commission’s Hill Cut Road office, marked the conclusion of the executive meeting of the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC). The upcoming ICIC, scheduled for September 28–30, 2026, will coincide with the International Day for Universal Access to Information and is expected to bring together experts from across Africa and beyond.
Chairperson of the Information Regulator in South Africa and ANIC leader, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, highlighted the progress made since the network was established in 2019.
“We have adopted a constitution, elected leaders, and outlined plans to strengthen access to information across Africa. Access to information is central to accountability and good governance, and we must continue to support each other in this difficult but vital space,” she said.
She further noted that access to information is one of the most important rights in any constitutional democracy. Without it, other rights, from the right to vote to the right to education, cannot be fully exercised.
RAIC Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and best practices. He said the conference will be a process of learning from others and sharing their unique experiences.
“This conference will allow us to learn from countries like South Africa and Ghana while sharing our unique experiences and showcasing Sierra Leone’s commitment to transparency,” he noted.
Civil society groups and media representatives, who played a key role in the passage of Sierra Leone’s Access to Information Law, also took part in the engagement. Plans are underway to revive the Civil Society Coalition to boost public awareness and encourage citizens to actively use their right to information.
This will be the second time Africa hosts the ICIC, following South Africa’s hosting in 2019. Organizers say Sierra Leone’s role reflects its growing engagement in global discussions on access to information since the law was passed after a decade‑long campaign led by civil society and the media.
