A deep dive into the recent Africa Data Dialogue event examining how open data initiatives can enhance governance across the continent.

I was part of an enlightening virtual gathering last week where open data’s transformative potential took center stage. In an increasingly digitized world, open data has emerged as a powerful tool for transforming governance, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovation. On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, experts gathered virtually for a compelling webinar titled “Leveraging Data for Public Trust” as part of the Africa Data Dialogue series. Organized by Amara Hub, Niyel, and POLLICY, this event explored the critical relationship between open data initiatives and public trust within the African context.

The Power and Promise of Open Data :

The webinar highlighted how open data initiatives can revolutionize public service delivery across Africa. By making government information freely available and accessible, these initiatives have the potential to strengthen accountability and enable evidence-based policymaking. However, as speakers emphasized, the success of such programs hinges on one crucial element: public trust.

“Citizens need assurance that data is reliable, ethically handled, and used to serve the public good rather than for political or commercial interests,” noted one participant, highlighting the foundation upon which effective open data governance must be built.

Expert Insights and Innovative Solutions

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers addressing various aspects of data governance:

• Daniel Odongo explored the challenges to public trust in data governance and presented key policy recommendations to address these concerns.
• Tao Platt discussed the intersection of open data with critical contemporary issues, including climate change and economic development.
• Selassie Tay shared insights on how emerging technologies like blockchain and AI can enhance transparency, data privacy, and trust in open data systems.
• El Hadj Ibrahima Ndiaye showcased the “Dakar Ville Résiliente” project as a case study in collaborative approaches to open data governance.
• Maha Jouini addressed the ethical and practical challenges of integrating AI into open data governance frameworks across Africa.

The AI Challenge: Ethical and Practical Considerations

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the introduction of artificial intelligence into open data governance systems. While AI offers tremendous potential for improving data analysis and service delivery, it also presents unique challenges in the African context:

Key Challenges Identified:

1. Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology and internet connectivity limits participation from many communities, potentially excluding vulnerable populations.
2. Data Sovereignty: There exists a risk of dependency on foreign technologies and data extraction without corresponding local benefits.
3. Algorithmic Bias: AI systems may perpetuate existing societal biases if training data isn’t representative of diverse African realities.
4. Technical Capacity: Many African countries face a shortage of local expertise in AI and data science.
5. Regulatory Frameworks: There is often an absence or inadequacy of comprehensive legislation on data protection and ethical use of AI.

Proposed Solutions:

1. Local Capacity Building: Investing in education and training programs focused on data science and AI to develop homegrown expertise.
2. Participatory Approach: Involving local communities in the design and implementation of data systems to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
3. Adapted Regulatory Frameworks: Developing legislation that protects citizens’ data while fostering innovation and economic growth.
4. Regional Collaborations: Sharing resources and knowledge among African countries to strengthen collective expertise and capabilities.
5. Contextualized Solutions: Adapting AI technologies to address the specific realities and needs of the continent rather than importing solutions wholesale.

Africa’s Open Data Journey: Progress and Challenges:

The webinar also assessed the current state of open data governance across Africa. The picture that emerged was one of promise mixed with significant challenges. Countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Morocco have made notable strides in implementing open data initiatives. However, the continent as a whole faces several persistent obstacles:

• The quality and consistency of published data vary considerably across different regions
• Citizen participation remains limited in numerous contexts
• Digital infrastructure requires substantial improvements in many areas
• The ecosystem of data users (including journalists, researchers, and businesses) is still developing in most countries

The Path Forward

The Africa Data Governance Hub, an online platform established through a partnership between Pollicy and Niyel, aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among data governance stakeholders. The Hub facilitates knowledge sharing and resource allocation across the continent, ensuring that organizations work collaboratively on complementary policy issues.

As Africa continues its journey toward open data governance, sustained political commitment and strategic investments in infrastructure and skills development will be crucial. The webinar concluded with a call for continued dialogue between policymakers, innovators, and civil society to integrate innovation into data governance frameworks that promote trust and accountability.

By addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the African context, open data initiatives have the potential to transform governance across the continent, creating more transparent, accountable, and responsive systems that truly serve the public good.