The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has initiated a one-year continental study on developments in the areas of freedom of expression and access to information in the digital era, which will lead to a review and updating of the 12-year old Model Law on Access to Information for Africa.
In a resolution adopted at its 84th Ordinary Session, held virtually from July 21 to 30, 2025, where the Commission decided to conduct the study, it also appointed its Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, to undertake this study, in conjunction with the African Union (AU) Commission.
The Model Law, a non-binding document adopted by the Commission at its 13th Extra-Ordinary Session in 2013, provides a framework for AU member states to develop their own national laws or revise such existing laws to promote transparency and accountability through access to information.
The resolution, ACHPR/Res.639 of 2025, noted that since the Commission adopted the model law, 29 countries in Africa have now adopted access to information laws.
It also noted the AU Executive Council Decision, EX.CL/Dec.1234(XLIV), adopted during the 44th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in February 2024, during which the Executive Council requested the AU Commission to “Work with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to undertake a 10-year review and update of the 2013 African Model Law on Access to Information, to ensure compliance with the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, and particularly to make it fit for purpose in the digital age.”
The Commission said it also took into account developments in the areas of freedom of expression and access to information in the digital era since the adoption of the Model Law, including as reflected in Part IV of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
It appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur to support the study and requested the Special Rapporteur to report the progress made at the Commission’s next Ordinary Session.
