Purpose – To argue that developing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region should embrace the concept of freedom of information to enable better human rights and economic development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the current situation through discussion of current legislation and proposed policies.Findings – Whereas several theories abound as to why there has been little development in sub‐Saharan Africa, this paper discusses the status of freedom of information legislations within the SADC region and the implications for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests the importance of further research into the importance of freedom of information legislation for economic and human rights development.Practical implications – The paper has practical implication for those considering the potential of freedom of information legislation in developing countries.Originality/value – Freed...