Open Records Laws › Namibia

Namibia

Access to Information Act

Access to Information Act, 2022 (Act No. 8 of 2022)

Open Records Transparency: 77/100 (good) Transparency Score: 77/100

RTI Rating: 116 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
21 days
Extension
21 days
Residency Required
None

21 days from receipt of request. May extend by up to 21 additional days for voluminous requests or those requiring consultation. Requester must be notified of extension with reasons.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Written — Written request to information officer of public body
  • Electronic — Electronic submission accepted

Requests submitted to designated information officer of each public body. No reasons required. Officials must assist requesters in formulating requests. Law enacted September 2022.

Required Elements

  • Requester details
  • Description of information sought
  • Preferred form of access

Fees

No fee to submit request. Reproduction costs must be reasonable and not obstruct access. Fee schedule to be prescribed by regulations.

Fee Waivers

  • Fees waived if disclosure is in public interest

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information affecting national security or defense
  • International Relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Law Enforcement
    Information prejudicing law enforcement or investigations
  • Privacy
    Personal information constituting unreasonable invasion of privacy
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Trade secrets and commercially confidential information
  • Third-Party Information
    Information supplied by third parties in confidence

All exemptions subject to harm test and public interest override. Information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm. Severability required: exempt portions redacted, non-exempt portions released.

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

3

3

Three-tier process: internal review, independent Information Commissioner, judicial review. Commissioner appointed by President with National Assembly approval. Commissioner has powers to order disclosure, award costs, and issue binding decisions.

Sources & References