The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has called on African governments to strengthen access to information as a critical measure for improving public accountability and addressing the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age.
The call was made on September 28, 2026, during the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which this year focuses on “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
FAJ said timely access to accurate and verifiable information was essential to democratic participation, social stability, peace and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions.
The organisation said information disorder was increasingly affecting public debate across Africa, with false claims, rumours and manipulated content spreading rapidly through digital platforms.
It noted that the challenge becomes particularly significant during elections, conflicts and emergencies, when demand for reliable information is high.
According to FAJ, delays in releasing official information and restrictions on access can make it more difficult for journalists and members of the public to establish the facts behind claims circulating online.
“Information integrity cannot be built on secrecy, censorship or attacks on journalists because these practices deny people unfettered access to information,” FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said.
He called on governments to release information promptly and openly, while ensuring that journalists can work freely and safely.
FAJ urged African Union member states to align their access-to-information laws and practices with the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa.
It also called on countries that do not have access-to-information legislation to introduce laws that meet the standards set out in the model law.
The federation further called for information to be made available in languages that citizens can understand and for practical barriers, including those associated with location and connectivity, to be addressed.
It said access to information should not be viewed solely as a legal obligation but also as a practical tool for enabling citizens to verify claims, participate in public affairs and hold institutions accountable.
FAJ also cautioned against responding to misinformation, disinformation and hate speech through censorship or expanded state control.
Instead, it called for stronger journalism, media literacy and transparent systems for the dissemination of official information.
The federation said improving access to credible information would help create an environment in which citizens, journalists and institutions can collectively respond to information disorder without undermining fundamental freedoms.
The organisation said the responsibility for protecting information integrity extends beyond governments and journalists to digital platforms, which it urged to be more transparent about how they recommend and moderate content.
