Afrigap introduction and context
This document discusses the demand for governance data in Africa and proposes the creation of the Africa Governance Data Platform (AfriGAP) to address this need. It notes the rising interest in governance data from global and African Union institutions as well as countries for performance management and early warning systems. The AfriGAP would add value by connecting data producers and users, creating a common knowledge repository to avoid duplication and identify gaps, and amplifying members' impact through joint initiatives like training, research, and an indicator database. The agenda for discussions on AfriGAP includes defining its vision and objectives around priority themes and audiences, and establishing a roadmap and roles for partners for 2013-2014.
Afrigap introduction and context
- 3. Demand for governance data is high and rising… • At global level: – Post-2015 agenda: Governance, peace & security (Goals 10 and 11) – Open data (OGP 1st Africa Regional Meeting, Kenya, May 2013) • At AU level: – African Governance Architecture (AGA): “will review and assess the level of compliance to AU norms, including state reporting on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance” (binding) – African Peer Review Mechanism (voluntary) – AU-led Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA) governance, peace & security statistics
- 4. Demand for governance data is high and rising… • At country-level: – Data sovereignty issue: “Political sovereignty begins with data autonomy.” – Governments: Demand for governance data as performance management tool & ‘early warnings’ – Civil society: Power of ‘evidence’ for social accountability (e.g. SOTU)
- 5. Value-added of the AfriGAP? 1. Connecting the dots between data producers (MIF, AB, GI, etc.) and data users (AU, UNDP, SOTU, etc.) for greater impact 2. Common repository of knowledge: – To avoid duplication of work – To spot the ‘gaps’ – To use data more effectively by combining various types/sources of data on a given theme (triangulation) – To provide visibility to the ‘small fish’ ‘Country pages’: In country X, what data is collected in what thematic areas, by whom?
- 6. Value-added of the AfriGAP? 3. ‘Power of a coalition’: – AfriGAP ‘Amplifier’ for member orgs (communication/advocacy) – AfriGAP Rich pool of expertise – AfriGAP Massive outreach (our consolidated networks) – AfriGAP A ‘one-stop-shop’ for those seeking support/info (‘AfriGAP Helpdesk’) – AfriGAP Opportunity to invest in some ‘common goods’…?
- 7. Some joint AfriGAP initiatives? 1. Joint trainings for our respective networks (with OKF’s School of Data) 2. Joint research: – ‘How-to’ guides on selected themes (tested methodologies & lessons learned) – Assessing impact of assessments (why/under what conditions ) 3. Joint support to new assessment initiatives (thematic gaps / countries ‘less assessed’) – AfriGAP Grant Competition?
- 8. Some joint AfriGAP initiatives? 5. Joint support to methodological innovations (‘AfriGAP Task Forces’ on specific themes) 6. AfriGAP indicator database & data visualization tools (searchable by country, by theme, by type of data) 7. Governance data journalism handbook – For Africa (OKF)
- 9. Knowledge- sharing web platform Partnership amongst leading orgs in this field The central reference on governance data in Africa
- 10. Agenda & objectives Day 1: Why & What – Specifying the vision & the objectives for AfriGAP • Priority themes • Priority target audiences – In line with your needs & interests (must be member- driven) Day 2: How – AfriGAP Roadmap: Setting priorities for 2013-14 – Partners’ roles & contributions (must be focused)
Editor's Notes
- #6: K is dispersedCreators of K are disconnected from each other