An open-access development data plat- form for 20 African countries has been launched, which enables users to extract and view developmental data from international and national sources, says development finance institution the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“The Open Data Platform is a user- friendly tool for extracting data and creating and sharing customised reports, as well as visualising data across themes, sectors and countries in the form of tables, charts and maps.”
The countries that have data listed are Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Demo- cratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Open Data Platform programme is part of the AfDB’s recently launched Africa Information Highway initiative, which aims to significantly improve data management and dissemination in Africa. Work is on course to complete platforms for the remaining African countries by July 2013, the AfDB adds.
“The platform also enables the collection, analysis and sharing of data among coun- tries and with international development partners. The platform also enables users, such as policymakers, analysts, researchers, business leaders and investors to gain access to reliable and timely data on Africa.”
Users can use the tool to visualise time- series development indicators over a selected period, perform comprehensive analysis at country and regional levels, access presentation-ready graphics or create their own, blog and share their views, as well as work with others to create an informed com- munity of users, according to a statement by the bank.
The Open Data Platform initiative is aimed at significantly increasing access to high- quality data that is necessary for managing and monitoring development results in African countries, including the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals.
“The platform is a response to several important global and regional initiatives to scale up the availability of quality data on Africa and foster evidence-based decision-making, public accountability and good governance,” the bank avers.
Further, it will be used by African countries for all data submissions to the AfDB and, possibly, other international development partners, including the International Monetary Fund, the European Union Commission, the World Health Organisation, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
“This initiative presents an opportunity for African countries to take the lead in the implementation and promotion of international statistical standards across all countries in the region and in the enhancement of the quality of data disseminated by African countries,” the bank concludes.