AASBS Volume #13 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29086/978-0-9869937-4-9/2023/AASBS13 195 Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.29086/978-0-9869937-4-9/2023/AASBS13/9 pp. 195 - 225 Chapter 9 The Role of Records Management in Good Governance, Transparency, Accountability and Human Rights in Africa Nathan Mnjama ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1557-7200 Abstract Well preserved and organized public records serve various purposes. They con- stitute an indispensable national resource, documenting a country’s collective memory, showing its culture, traditions, aspirations as well as its past failures and successes. Public records shed light on the country’s past development efforts, its demographic details, and provides valuable information needed for planning and development purposes. Records also play a critical role in the promotion of national identity and in fostering a sense of nationhood and belonging. Above all, records are of great importance in the administration of justice, holding governments accountable for their actions, the protection of individual’s rights and entitlements and in fostering national cohesion. How- ever, despite the critical role played by public records, in many African states, they remain a neglected resource; inaccessible and under-utilized. This is due to various factors ranging from backlog accumulation of unprocessed collec- tions, restrictive legislative regimes and sheer negligence. This chapter seeks to articulate the critical role played by records and archives in promoting good governance, transparency, accountability and the protection of rights and entitlements of individuals in Africa. It also investigates the various factors inhibiting utilization of records for the attainment of good governance, trans- parency, accountability and the protection of rights and entitlements by citizens in Africa. The chapter concludes by proposing measures, which when imple- mented, will enhance the management and preservation of records in Africa.