REGIONAL OVERVIEW Not only is access to information (ATI) a fundamental, and internationally- and regionally-recognised human right, it is also an essential part of democratic rule, enabling informed public participation in governance and the decision-making processes. That the accessibility of information is a key component of sustainable development has been highlighted by the explicit mention of access to information in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising citizens’ access to information as a crucial factor in the development of democratic and sustainable societies. On the continent, southern Africa has initially been a forerunner in the adoption of access to information laws with South Africa being the first country to pass an ATI law, and Angola and Zimbabwe following shortly after. Unfortunately, since then, progress regarding the passage of ATI legislation throughout southern Africa has slowed down tremendously; it took over a decade for the fourth country in the region, Mozambique, to adopt a law guaranteeing access to public information. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is advocating for the adoption of national ATI legislation in recognition of the potential such laws have regarding the empowerment of citizens to hold their governments accountable on how decisions are made and resources used. A legal framework guaranteeing access, as well as providing for the right to appeal in cases where information has been wrongfully withheld, needs to be accompanied by an enabling environment favouring openness and transparency. Existing laws require effective implementation, but even without a national ATI law the free flow of relevant public information should be the norm. With its Transparency Assessment, conducted annually since 2009, MISA seeks to establish the ease or difficulty in accessing relevant public information held by government and public institutions. This year’s research was carried out by seven national MISA Chapters. Researchers evaluated institutions’ websites as well as their willingness to provide information upon request. Since the inception of the study seven years ago, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to make government held public information accessible has gradually increased. Not only do the majority of public bodies have working websites, but the quality of the content provided on those sites is also improving. The Directorate of Road Traffic in Malawi for example, after being awarded the most secretive institution in 2015, could in 2016 be identified as the runner-up to the most open public institution. This praiseworthy improvement in transparency in only one year can mainly be attributed to the development of the institution’s web presence, making relevant information more accessible to the public. 8 Some institutions showed increased openness by proactively providing information online that they were more reluctant to disclose in previous years. In Namibia for instance, the researcher noted improved transparency regarding budgetary information with two institutions providing online links to current budgets. Additionally, several institutions are tapping into the use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to openly engage with the public. Regarding information requests, it is commendable that most institutions have officials designated to take and respond to information requests. Based on this, a direct positive outcome is that more institutions acknowledge receipt of information requests, making follow-up processes easier. However, in several cases, although the initial acknowledgment of receipt of information was often accompanied by an assurance to provide information shortly, this has not resulted in actually receiving the information as requested. The study highlighted the fact that ordinary citizens still face challenges in receiving information from public institutions. Some researchers had to show a high amount of perseverance, conducting several follow up activities, in order to get an answer. Other researchers’ efforts however, did not result in receiving responses to their requests. It needs to be pointed out that some public bodies were exemplary in their provision of services, responding speedily, being helpful, accommodating and open to any follow up questions may they arise at a later stage.