Building evidence for impactful change: The necessity of a robust data ecosystem in Africa
Africa, like the rest of the world, faces complex challenges, from rapid urbanisation and climate change to economic inequality and outdated rules. Addressing these challenges effectively requires a foundation of reliable and representative data. While traditional data collection methods have played a role, they often fall short in capturing the dynamic and diverse realities of the continent. To foster informed decision-making and drive sustainable progress, a robust and accessible data ecosystem is essential.
The limitations of conventional data are evident. Reliance on infrequent surveys and census data can result in outdated information, failing to reflect the lived experiences of diverse communities. This can lead to policy decisions and market strategies that are misaligned with on-the-ground realities. In a continent where change is constant, data must be equally dynamic.
A striking example of this is Nigeria’s 2014 economic rebasing. By updating the base year for GDP calculations to reflect contemporary economic activities, the country’s economy nearly doubled in size, surging from approximately USD 270 billion to over 510 billion, significantly altering investor perceptions, showcasing a far larger and more diversified economy than previously understood.
Fortunately, new data sources and ethical AI offer unprecedented opportunities to bridge these gaps. Social media, mobile phone data, and satellite imagery provide real-time insights into the pulse of African societies. Social media platforms, for instance, offer a window into public sentiment, emerging trends, and information flows. Mobile phone data can map human mobility, understand economic activity, and track the spread of information and services. Satellite imagery allows for monitoring deforestation, urban expansion, agricultural productivity, and responses to natural disasters.
At Africa Practice, we recognise the transformative potential of these new data sources. Over the past year, we have invested heavily in building a comprehensive data ecosystem that combines 20+ years of experience with cutting-edge technology. Our approach blends traditional knowledge bases with real-time data from social media, mobile networks, and satellite imagery.
We leverage advanced analytical tools, powered by deep learning, to uncover trends, identify network gaps, and reveal critical narratives and behaviours. This technology is paired with rigorous, human-centred research, ensuring that data is contextualised and translated into actionable insights. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of African markets and communities, enabling our partners to shift narratives, reshape rules, and reimagine possibilities.
In 2024, we experimented with video games for policy testing at scale, AI-powered narrative analysis to understand the causality of media bias and cost of capital, and data science analysis to complete micro-survey insights on intangible issues such as the power of hope.
Ultimately, we believe that democratising data is not just about access; it’s about empowering African stakeholders to participate in the data revolution. By making data collection methods and data and its analysis more accessible and user-friendly, we can foster data literacy and encourage the development of local expertise. And by adopting a human-centred approach, we can ensure that we don’t simply replicate what has worked elsewhere, but that we develop systems that are uniquely adapted to Africa and reflect our challenges and opportunities.
