UNECA set to host data revolution in Africa

Introduction:

Setting the scene for a sustainable development agenda powered by Data Revolution in Africa

27 March 2015 to 29 March 2015

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Central Thoughts

On Africa:

The African integration agenda addresses three main areas: political, economical as well as social and cultural. For it to fully succeed, it requires not only quality statistical information but also harmonized data across time and space.

On Data:

Data are the lifeblood of decision-making and the raw material for accountability. Without high-quality data providing the right information on the right things at the right time to the right people; designing, monitoring and evaluating effective policies becomes almost impossible.

On Revolution:

A fundamental change, turnaround and newness in systems, powers and organizational structures that happens in a very short time. They have occurred over time, bringing a shift in cultures, policies, governments and nations.

On Data Revolution:

The data revolution means more demand, more data, more communities, more usage, more results and more engagement – an inspiring vision of a world of fast-flowing data deployed for the public good, and of citizens and governments excited and empowered by the possibilities this creates.

On Data Revolution in Africa:

The process of bringing together diverse data communities to embrace a diverse range of data sources, tools, and innovative technologies, to provide disaggregated data for decision- making, service delivery and citizen engagement; and information for Africa to own its narrative.

On Data Communities:

A data community is a group of people who share a social, economic or professional interest in data production, management, dissemination and/or use.