The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) a pan-African membership civil society network and resource center promoting the right of access to information has elected a new Governing Council in the election that took place during the 5th General Assembly held virtually on February 28, 2024.
The new Governing Council members join AFIC from varied and unique backgrounds of countries and experiences. They bring with them respective expertise in governance, leadership, and management as well as experience campaigning for the right to information, transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
The New Governing Council
The Chairperson: Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh
Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh is an experienced professional with over 17 years of experience in various roles related to communications, advocacy, resource mobilization, coordination, facilitation, and project management. She currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and the Governance Council (GC) Chairperson of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC). Mrs Narteh’s experience includes supervising the implementation of an OSIWA-funded regional public procurement and audit recommendation project and managing a World Bank-funded West Africa Contract Monitoring Network (WACMN) in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. She holds a master’s degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Communications and Development, and has certificates in Women’s Studies and Executive Communications and Governance Reform.
The Vice Chairperson: Dr. Tabani Moyo
Dr. Tabani Moyo is an accomplished professional with a career spanning over 20 years in media development, communications, journalism, marketing, and business administration. He currently serves as the Regional Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, an advocacy and lobby network operating in eight African countries. Dr. Moyo is recognized as a Change Maker in the digital rights space on the African continent and has served on various boards. He played a significant role in the successful review of the Declaration of Principles of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression to include the Internet as a right in 2018. Additionally, Dr. Moyo holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and is a fellow and chartered marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK. He is also the Convenor/Chairperson of the Board of IFEX, a global freedom of expression organization based in Canada and served as Vice Chairperson of AFIC’s Governing Council until his recent re-election.
Treasurer: Thandizo V. Mphwiyo
Mrs. Thandizo Safuli Mphwiyo is an experienced gender and development expert with over a decade of experience in governance, human rights, and women’s issues. She currently serves as the Programs Manager at the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), where she leads lobby and advocacy initiatives at national, regional, and global levels. Thandizo is known for her leadership abilities in office management and financial and human resource responsibilities at CHRR. She also chairs the Board of Directors for Girls On Move and provides direction as the treasurer for AFIC, ensuring financial stability and resource sustainability. Her deep commitment to gender equality and human rights is evident in her position on the NGO Gender Coordination Network board. AFIC will benefit from her extensive experience and dedication to advancing access to information and digital rights with a gender perspective.
Members
Dr. Nkurunziza Joseph
Dr. Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza is a medical doctor, public health practitioner, and social justice activist with over 17 years of experience in the civil society sector. He co-founded Never Again Rwanda, a peacebuilding and social justice organization, and serves as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Civil Society Platform. He also co-founded and serves as a board director of the Health Development Initiative Rwanda and the Center for Public Health and Development. Nkurunziza’s work focuses on health, peacebuilding, and social justice to provide young people with the guidance, encouragement, and knowledge they need to become active citizens. His experience in promoting public access to information as a tool for peacebuilding and conflict resolution will benefit AFIC.
Alfred Bulakali Nkuru
Alfred Nkuru Bulakali is an experienced activist with a strong commitment to social justice, human rights, peacebuilding, and governance. Over the past two decades, he has worked as a radio producer, trainer, advocate, researcher, manager, director, and consultant across Africa and Asia. He currently serves as the Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 West Africa, where he oversees efforts to defend freedom of expression and access to information in the region. Alfred holds a Masters degree in Public Law and has previously worked as a teaching and research assistant at the Faculty of Law. In his free time, Alfred enjoys taking care of children and teaching his peers in Africa to appreciate household chores.
Thomas Zaza Lorato
Thomas Zaza Lorato is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience. He has been successful in driving business operations and leading strategic initiatives. Currently serving as Chairperson of the Board of the Public Information Noble, a civil society organisation in Ethiopia dedicated to promoting the right to information. Previously, he held the position of Plant Manager at Koch Industries Houston Facility, where he oversaw all aspects of plant operations, resulting in significant efficiency gains and cost savings. He holds a degree in Business Management from Hesston College and is passionate about achieving excellence and organizational growth.
Malcolm W.Joseph
Malcolm W. Joseph is an experienced activist for the right to information and freedom of expression in Liberia. He was instrumental in leading the successful campaign for Liberia to adopt freedom of information legislation, making it the first country in West Africa to do so. Malcolm is the executive director of the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building, an NGO that focuses on media development, freedom of expression, and access to information. He has authored several research works and held important positions in various organizations. Malcolm holds a Master’s degree in Public Sector Management, a Master of Arts degree in International Relations, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. In 2010, he received the Pan African Platform on Access to Information Prestigious Award for Promoting Access to Information in Africa, and he has actively participated in the activities and workings of IFEX since 2006.
