Data for development in Africa

Kenya is gearing up to host a two-day high-level meeting on data for development in Africa, set to showcase the transformative power of data innovation in improving lives on the continent. The event, aligned with the sustainable development goals of the sustainable development agenda of 2030, will bring together key stakeholders to explore the critical role of data in driving progress. Claire Melamed, Executive Director at the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, shared her insights on the importance of data in achieving ambitious development goals. Melamed, drawing from her background as an academic and experience in the UN Secretary-General's office, emphasized the significance of leveraging new technologies and data sources to address the challenges of the 2030 agenda. She highlighted the essential role of data as a foundational infrastructure for governments striving to make meaningful advancements in various sectors. From enhancing tax revenue to combating health crises like Ebola, data has proven to be a game-changer in driving positive outcomes across key areas like health, agriculture, and finance. Melamed underscored the need for comprehensive data science capacity building and policy alignment to bridge the gap between data generation and impactful decision-making. She stressed the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, data collection partnerships, and analytical capabilities to ensure that data translates into actionable insights that drive effective policy implementation. As the high-level meeting approaches, the focus remains on fostering a commitment to data-driven decision-making and harnessing the potential of data innovation to propel sustainable development in Africa. With governments, private sector actors, and development partners coming together to explore the transformative power of data, the stage is set for impactful collaborations that pave the way for a data-driven future in Africa. As Claire Melamed aptly concludes, 'Investments in data can help governments achieve the outcomes they desire in almost every sector, leading to positive change and progress for the continent.'