Zimbabwe

Name of law: Freedom of Information Act
First adopted: 2002
Last modified: n/a
RTI Rating last updated: 2020-09

Introduction

Although Zimbabwe's earlier (2002) right to information law was much criticised for being very weak, the 2020 update is only three points stronger. The new law fails to put in place sanctions for obstruction of access or strong promotional measures, and the procedures for making and processing requests remain weak. Part of the problem is that the law relies on other laws, for example for the system of appeals, which go to the Media Commission, whose powers and rules are not adapted to access to information appeals. On a more positive note, the regime of exceptions, a key part of any right to information law, has been tightened up somewhat relative to the earlier law.

Local expert: Jackie Chikakano