THE ACCESS TO INFORMATION PROJECT
Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Citizens’ Right to Know in Cameroon
Access to information is a cornerstone of democratic governance. It empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in public life, hold institutions accountable, make informed decisions, and contribute to national development. Yet in Cameroon, access to public information remains limited by legal, institutional, and practical barriers that often prevent citizens, journalists, and civil society actors from obtaining information that affects their lives.
To address these challenges, NewSETA launched the Access to Information Project, a two-year initiative supported by the Commonwealth Foundation. The project seeks to strengthen the ecosystem of freedom of expression and access to information in Cameroon through research, stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and legal reform.
Generating Evidence for Reform
This project entailed a nationwide research on the state of access to information in Cameroon. NewSETA collected data from 96 public institutions and 286 non-government stakeholders, including journalists, civil society organizations, researchers, and media practitioners. The study provided valuable insights into the challenges citizens face when seeking information, including limited institutional transparency, inconsistent procedures for requesting information, inadequate legal protections, gender-related barriers, and the absence of a comprehensive Freedom of Information law. This research created an evidence based foundation for future policy reforms and informed public discussions on improving access to information in Cameroon.
BUILDING DIalOGUE AND CONSENSUS
The project brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, members of parliament, journalists, civil society actors, academics, and media regulators, to discuss the findings of NewSETA’s study on the state of access to information and identify practical solutions.
These engagements created rare opportunities for constructive dialogue between state and non-state actors, helping to strengthen mutual understanding and build consensus around the need for greater transparency and improved access to public information.
Particular attention was given to the experiences of women seeking information, highlighting how cultural norms, educational barriers, and discrimination can limit women’s ability to exercise their right to information. Through these discussions, stakeholders identified strategies for promoting more inclusive access to information and ensuring that reforms respond to the needs of all citizens.
The final report was published on research gate and can be accessed here (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389357060_The_Right_to_Access_of_Information_in_Cameroon_RAIC_-Report_2024)
Advancing Legal Reform
Building on the findings of the national research, NewSETA worked with legal experts, government representatives, journalists, and civil society organizations to develop a draft Freedom of Information Act for Cameroon.
The proposed legislation aims to establish clear procedures for accessing public information, improve transparency within public institutions, protect information seekers and whistleblowers, and create mechanisms for addressing unjustified refusals of information requests.
