Transparency and accountability initiatives (TAIs) are increasingly promoted as effective ways to tackle government corruption and inefficiency. TAIs are based on the premise that increased information flows from government enable greater civil society oversight. This helps make governments more accountable to their citizens, leading to improvements in resource and revenue management and service delivery.
This report assesses the benefits of TAIs, highlighting the factors that contribute to their successes in improving governance. It also notes some of the criticisms levelled at
them, and concludes with recommendations for those wishing to strengthen these initiatives.