OVERVIEW BACKGROUND Category 2: In this category, information requests are submitted to government and public organisations to determine the ease with which public information can be obtained. Since 2009, MISA has evaluated the level of openness of government and public organisations in its annual Transparency Assessment. Carried out by MISA Chapters alongside local researchers, the study seeks to establish the ease or difficulty with which citizens can access public information. DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The total number of points allocated to categories 1 and 2 is 20 points (n = 20) each. The study assesses whether public organisations proactively make relevant information available via an online presence in the form of a website or through social media accounts. It further evaluates to what degree information is made available to citizens upon request. Points are awarded based on the researcher’s answer: yes (2 points); partial (1 point); no (0 points). Public organisations fall into one of the following groups, depending on their score. Every year, on 28 September, MISA joins the international community in commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information. MISA marks the occasion through: The regional launch of the MISA Transparency Assessment Category 1: Website Analysis Group 1 (0–6): Absence of a website or an extremely poor website that contains almost no relevant public information. Group 2 (07–13): Average website containing some relevant public information. Hosting National Golden Key and Golden Padlock Awards Ceremonies Group 3 (14–20): Well-organised, transparent website providing a good amount of relevant public information. DATA ANALYSIS Category 2: Requests for Information Group 1 (0–6): The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and seeks to evaluate the level of public ATI held by governments and public organisations. Denied access to reasonable information requested or acted with high levels of secrecy. Group 2 (07–13): Displayed an average level of openness in allowing access to public information. In each country, a researcher evaluates the websites of government and public organisations along with submitting written requests for information. This method seeks to establish the transparency and efficiency of government and public organisations in providing information to the public. The process is monitored in line with provisions of ATI laws. Group 3 (14–20): Displayed openness in allowing access to public information. The organisation was helpful and transparent. The following countries were surveyed in this 2023 MISA Transparency Assessment: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Category 1: In this category, websites of government and public organisations are evaluated to determine the accessibility and presence of credible and updated public information, which includes powers and functions of the organisation in question, budgetary allocations, procurement procedures and contact details. 3