The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) of Sierra Leone has garnered significant praise and recognition during the Africa Regional Report presentation at the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) 2025, held at the prestigious Hotel Adlon in Berlin, Germany. This notable achievement reflects Sierra Leone’s impressive strides in the implementation and promotion of Access to Information (ATI) laws and practices across the continent.
A Prominent Platform: The ICIC 2025
The ICIC is a renowned global forum that convenes information commissioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss transparency, openness, and the effective implementation of ATI frameworks. The 2025 edition, hosted in Berlin, was a vibrant confluence of ideas, strategies, and success stories aimed at advancing citizens’ right to information and promoting accountable governance globally.
At this year’s conference, the Africa Regional Report was delivered by Kenya’s Information Commissioner, Dorothy Nyambura, who spoke on behalf of her fellow African commissioners. Within this report, Sierra Leone was spotlighted for its outstanding progress, marking it as a leading example in the continent’s ongoing efforts to foster transparency and enhance public access to information.
Sierra Leone’s Milestones in Access to Information:
The report detailed several key accomplishments made by the RAIC Sierra Leone in the past year, which set the country apart from many others in Africa.
10 Years of RAIC: Celebrating a Decade of Progress
One of the landmark events highlighted was the celebration of RAIC’s 10th anniversary in November 2024. This milestone was marked with a formal dinner hosted by the Commission, bringing together stakeholders, government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) that have played crucial roles in advancing ATI in Sierra Leone.
At this event, RAIC publicly acknowledged and awarded several MDAs for their exemplary contributions to ATI compliance and proactive disclosure. These awards not only recognized commitment but also incentivized continuous improvement in transparency practices across public institutions.
Digital Platform Launch: Modernizing Access to Information
Another groundbreaking development in Sierra Leone’s ATI journey is the launch of a sophisticated Digital Platform designed to streamline requests for information. This online system empowers citizens to submit information requests conveniently, while enabling public authorities to respond promptly and efficiently.
The platform represents a significant leap forward in eliminating bureaucratic delays and ensuring timely access to public records. It also demonstrates RAIC Sierra Leone’s dedication to embracing technology as a catalyst for transparency and public participation.
Hosting the 17th ICIC: A Historic Win
In a notable achievement, Sierra Leone successfully won the bid to host the 17th edition of the ICIC, making it only the second African country to do so after South Africa. This honor not only underscores the country’s growing influence in the ATI arena but also offers an opportunity to showcase its progress on a global stage.
Hosting the ICIC is a testament to Sierra Leone’s leadership and commitment to enhancing access to information in Africa. It signals trust and confidence in the country’s ability to convene international stakeholders and foster meaningful dialogue on transparency and open governance.
Increasing Compliance rate
The RAIC proudly reported a steady increase in compliance rate from 112 Information Requests recorded in 2019 to 19,496 recorded in 2023 with successes in landmark cases such as BSL and ECSL. It also reported a steady progress in the rate of compliance with proactive disclosure with 79 MDAs so far actively engaging the process. It however reported challenges such as the difficulties in making the transition from a culture of secrecy to one of openness with some MDAs still reluctant to comply.
Inclusion of ATI Compliance in Presidential Performance Contracts
Perhaps the most significant breakthrough came with the endorsement by President Julius Maada Bio to incorporate compliance with ATI obligations as a key performance indicator (KPI) in the performance contracts of MDAs. This strategic move institutionalizes transparency within the highest levels of government accountability.
By making ATI compliance part of official performance assessments, Sierra Leone sets a precedent in Africa, emphasizing that transparency is not optional but an integral component of public service delivery. This development incentivizes public authorities to prioritize openness and responsiveness, ultimately benefiting citizens by enhancing trust in government institutions.
The remarkable progress of RAIC Sierra Leone is largely attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr. Shaw, the Commissioner of RAIC, who has championed the cause of access to information with passion and strategic foresight. Under his stewardship, the Commission has achieved remarkable milestones and gained global recognition for its innovative approaches.
Dr. Shaw also serves on the executive board of the Africa Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC), where he contributes to shaping continental ATI policies and fostering collaboration among African information regulators. His leadership has not only elevated Sierra Leone’s profile but also strengthened the continent’s collective efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
The Africa Regional Report emphasized that Sierra Leone’s approach stands out among countries with ATI legislation across the continent. While many African nations have made significant legal strides, Sierra Leone’s integration of ATI compliance into governmental performance contracts and its adoption of modern digital tools are pioneering efforts.
These steps reflect a deep understanding that legal frameworks must be supported by practical enforcement mechanisms and user-friendly access systems to achieve meaningful impact. Sierra Leone’s model demonstrates that comprehensive ATI implementation requires a blend of legislation, technology, leadership, and political will.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the 17th ICIC, expectations are high for the country to showcase its successes and share lessons learned with global peers. The event will provide a platform to highlight how a relatively young commission can inspire institutional reforms, foster transparency, and promote citizen engagement in governance.
The continued focus on enhancing ATI compliance, digital innovation, and regional collaboration will position Sierra Leone as a beacon of best practices in Africa. Moreover, the Commission’s success story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of transparency in strengthening democracy, combating corruption, and empowering citizens.
The RAIC Sierra Leone’s exceptional performance, as highlighted in the Africa Regional Report at ICIC 2025, signifies a major leap forward for the country and the continent. Through strategic leadership, innovative use of technology, and the bold integration of ATI compliance into government performance frameworks, Sierra Leone has emerged as a role model for access to information in Africa.
The international recognition garnered at the Berlin conference not only honors the dedication of Dr. Shaw and his team but also sets a hopeful precedent for other African nations striving to deepen transparency and accountability.
As Sierra Leone prepares to welcome the global ATI community for the upcoming ICIC edition, the world watches with anticipation, eager to learn from the inspiring journey of a commission that continues to push the boundaries of openness and good governance.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Patrick Kamara
Manager, Public Information & Communications
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 7840847
