By Winnie Kamau
“It has taken open data as a tool enabling us to give out whatever we collect to give to the public” says Mwanaidi Director General of ICT national Bureau of Statistics, Tanzania. Mwanaidi was speaking during the Pre conference of the Africa Open Data. Seated with fellow panelists and discussing the role of open data in the societies. Adding “Once we started putting up datasets online the request time of data users had reduced and we can used data for information and create jobs The datasets we have collected are now free and online available for use” Mwanaidi also advocated for the three Cs Corporation, Coordination and Communication that would ensure the success of Open data in Africa.
“Data revolution is worldwide. Data Revolution is governance. Statisticians for a long time they were undermined but now governments are appreciating our role. It is cost effective in cutting costs.” This were the opening remarks by Dr. Albina Chuwa, Tanzanian Director General, National Bureau of Statistics . He noted theres need to build on existing statistical structures and capacity and resources. Statisticians being the gatekeepers of data revolution need to ensure the quality of information that comes from the data sets given.
How can open data provide measurable improvements in the lives of citizens this were some of the key discussions during a plenary session on the Data revolution. Dr. Peter Da Costa, Technical Advisor of the Hewlett and Packard Foundation noted that “Financing the Data Revolution needs to be sustainable. Open Data costs money but it is about saving money”
Dennis Maro Biseko, Snr. Specialist at World Bank- in Tanzania observed from his experience at the Bank “We take a broader view of open data. We identify data that is given by government and other users.” Biseko also gave a successful example from Pakistan where a Member of Parliaments who was tired of corruption decided to use data to address the issues of his constituents. He started a call center and was able to address issues on quality of services. “We want data not only to be a means but a way to give quality services to the citizen”
Adi Eyal Director Code for South Africa started an initiative that was monitoring procurement of pharmaceuticals which saved SADC governments over $50 US Million. Though it was high level program and had a lot of participation from governments there’s need to get people wanting to effect change noting “There’s no one size that can fit all in making open data available by the governments.”
Beejay Kokil Manager of Africa Development Bank, Tanzania “We need a lot of Data to prepare projects and programs to also see the impact” There are a lot of data gaps and need to provide capacity building. There’s a lot of data but is not accessible. How to improve data dissemination is through open data policy like the one that has been developed by the bank.
Theres need to have more data disseminated and also work on the quality issues of data. Work with developers. From a survey by AFDB shows if open data is adopted by governments the benefit will be 2% increase of GDP and Agriculture development will be the highest beneficiary. We need to team up to feel up the data gaps this will help in crossing the bridge of partnerships.
Dozie Ezigbalike UNECA’s Chief of Data echoed this sentiments noting “Partnership is key and without partnership it shall not work, We need clear rules of engagement. Partnership is essential especially from National level.”
Data Revolution will never be measured but for sure its impact will be felt by individual countries who will embrace the revolution and choose to run with it since it is Country led and will work with international organizations to ensure it is standardized to required standards. According to the Africa Development Bank during a recent survey by the African Union the cost of a Manual survey would be USD 1.8 M but with the use of Technology the survey would cost USD 1.2 Million saving over USD 600,000.
Dr. Bill Anderson of Development Initiatives noted in the open data conversation is not open. “We do not have proper data. Most African countries don’t have national registries. We need to focus on not providing that is beautiful but disaggregated data that can be used to making decisions”.
Dr. Da Costa of HP noted there’s need for greater ownership by recipient partners “SDGS have led to global initiatives. We need to do more to mobilize countries.”
There have been many conferences on Open Data and Data revolution in the world and in Africa. There’s need to bridge the outcomes of the conferences so that governments can be on the same page noted Chairman of Open Institute Dr. Bitange Ndemo “How do we bridge the gap between conferences and the reality in government offices. The National Stats and Open data is not the same thing. National stats looks at economic data . How do we walk the talk.”
Public awareness and coordination is critical in ensuring that Data Revolution does not loose the momentum. African statistical system also needs to be committed to Data revolution to help African countries. Open data will help get the quality data sets that will be able to address the issues timely.
Justin Arenstein of Code for Africa celebrated the importance of building communities “We have hacks and hackathons which has built a community we need to find a way to sell motivate people and collaborate and make them take the initiatives”.
Geoffrey Karegga of Open Street maps Tanzania have had a huge success with mapping the city of Dar es Salaam by having a digital map and involving community members “We have trained 160 students on open street maps”. The result is detailed maps of the city. Mapping out all areas of the city adding that “We print maps and planting seeds of Open data with communities especially students.”
Alida Yonli of Burkina Faso’s Open Data Initiative gave a progressive report on their Government that recently passed a law on Open data “The parliament passed a law that includes open data”.
Rob Baker Open Aid Partnership ,World Bank asked a pertinent questi
