The paradigm shift in the career path for statisticians across the national statistical office has also been experienced and welcomed in the execution of our mandate as Statistical Service in Ghana. The growing need for real or near-real time data among modern data users necessitates a relook at our traditional compilation procedures to include modern methods of data sourcing, processing and dissemination of statistical products.

David Bessah Data Scientist at Ghana Statistical Service

Explore the projects and hear from the fellows in the interactive Q&A below or read their full interviews: 

The fellowship program provided a wealth of insights for the roles, challenges, and opportunities of data science for development across Africa, and beyond.

Alpha Soko, fellow at the Malawi Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare
Reflections on the fellowship
Headshot of Charles Kimpolo

We wish to make a call for action for new partnerships to create a vibrant community of emerging African data scientists including professional public sector statisticians to address the growing capacity gaps in data science and other emerging technologies.

Dr. Charles Mberi Kimpolo Director of the AIMS Industry Initiative and Acting Director of Skills For Employability
Davis Adieno headshot

Through the fellowship, it is clear that there is both demand for and interest in targeted technical skills building in the public sector across the continent. Moving forward, strategic cross-sector partnerships are at the core of bridging the digital gap and mobilizing the data revolution in Africa. We’ll continue to work with our partners to make this a reality.

Davis Adieno Director of Programs, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data

As the data revolution continues to grow, governments across the world must take advantage of the increasingly available (and necessary) digital tools and skills to harness unprecedented opportunities to transform society and protect the environment.

Authors

Muthoni Mugo headshot
Muthoni Mugo
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Program Officer
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data

Muthoni is responsible for monitoring progress, showcasing impact, and documenting and sharing learnings from the Global Partnership's activities and programs. Muthoni has more than 10 years of experience across Eastern and the Horn of Africa, where she has conducted research, results-based monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communications. She holds a BSc in Human Biology and an MA in Development Communication. She is based in Nairobi.

Claire Pei headshot
Claire Pei
Communications Associate
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data

Claire is a communications generalist and supports the Global Partnership's website and social media management. She is the in-house lead on production of multimedia and interactive data stories and visualizations. Claire graduated from the University of St Andrews with an MA in International Relations and Arabic. She was also one of three 2021 US delegates to the G20 Youth (Y20) Summit, with a focus on sustainability, climate, and energy. She is based in New York.