TANZANIA TRANSPARENCY ASSESSMENT REPORT RATIONALE AND RESEARCH PARAMETERS INTRODUCTION Successive Tanzanian presidents have publicly supported access to information (ATI) legislation, which shows the country’s long history of attempting to bring to life the right to ATI. AIM OF THE STUDY This survey targeted eight public organisations to ascertain how responsive they are to information inquiries by the public. The survey was carried out from 12 June 2023 to 12 July 2023. Information requests were made to public institutions, and responses were tracked and monitored. In Tanzania, ATI has been under discussion, and efforts are being made to improve transparency and openness in government operations. The government has taken steps to promote ATI. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has recognised the information deficit for citizens. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977, recognises the right to information as a fundamental right. Article 18 guarantees the right to seek, receive, and impart information. In addition, the Access to Information Act (No. 6 of 2016) was enacted to provide a legal framework for accessing information held by public authorities. This law outlines procedures for accessing information, establishes the information officer’s role in each public authority, and sets guidelines for handling requests. Some information is exempt from disclosure, for example, if it affects national security. y To determine which organisations (both government and public) provide information to citizens upon request, timeously and with relative ease. y To determine which organisations (both government and public) utilise online platforms to promote access to information. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research used qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to evaluate public access to information held by government and public organisations. Each MISA Chapter conducted research by evaluating 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. ATI is critical for development as the world moves into a more open society, particularly with new technologies. However, laws such as the Media Services Act of 2016 and Media Services Act Regulations 2017, the Cybercrimes Act and Statistics Act both of 2015, the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations of 2018 and the Prison Act of 1967 still threaten ATI in Tanzania. For adequate implementation to occur, certain measures need to be taken, for example building the capacity of citizens to understand the importance of the right to access information. The eight participating institutions were randomly selected depending on the relevance of the work the institutions are mandated to do for the country. The study also looked at the social media activities of the organisations as well as their websites. The culture of secrecy among public officials in Tanzania at both central and local government levels hinders the work of journalists. This affects ATI, which is necessary for media reporting towards increased civic participation, transparency, and accountability in governance. LIMITATIONS OF STUDY Inadequate financial and manpower resources: For any research to be successful, adequate manpower and funding are essential. 76