Don’t idolise DPI. Enable countries to build national data exchange infrastructure that makes data exchange DPIs useful. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become one of the most influential ideas in digital development. Digital identity, payments and data exchange are increasingly described as the foundational “rails” upon which countries can build digital services. The metaphor is…
Building the Data Foundation for Stronger AfCRA Reporting
Why the African Union Commission should consider National Data Exchange Infrastructure as the backbone for reliable country information and statistics. Africa’s continental reporting is only as strong as the information and data supplied by its Member States. For the African Union Commission, strengthening reporting under Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) should therefore begin below the…
Can Countries “Pull off the Plug” on Data for AI?
“Pulling off the plug” does not mean shutting data down Individual countries do not need to own the world’s AI giants to shape the future of artificial intelligence or super intelligence. But they do need the power to decide how, and on whose terms, their strategically valuable data, enters the global AI value chain. What…
D4Ag (D4D) should be about Information not Technology!
In my first blog in this series “It’s Time to Phase Out ICT4D (ICT4Ag) and Embrace D4D (D4Ag)!”, I argued that the concept of ICTs for development, both in literal sense and its delivery has focussed on promoting “technologies” to support communication of information for development (information communication technologies (ICTs). I concluded that, technology is…
It’s Time to Phase Out ICT4D (ICT4Ag) and Embrace D4D (D4Ag)!
The era of ICT4D (ICT4Ag) has laid a strong foundation for a new era and it is time for the international development sector to embrace a new terminology and approach – D4D (D4Ag).
Digital agriculture to help Africa through coronavirus
Originally written by Benjamin Addom and Sabdiyo Dido, and published by CTA on Tuesday, 28 April 2020 As COVID-19 continues to devastate lives all over the world, agriculture and food systems come under critical strain. Recessions, food shortages, hunger and malnutrition are feared to be likely, with grave impact on vulnerable communities in developing regions…
CTA’s expertise informs concept for new International Digital Council for Food and Agriculture
Originally published by CTA on Thursday, 12 March 2020 Extensive consultation with CTA and other stakeholders has resulted in a concept note for the establishment of a new International Digital Council for Food and Agriculture. Once operationalised, the Digital Council will advise governments and other relevant actors with the aim of realising the immense potential…
How the Open Data Movement Laid the Foundation for the AI Boom
What began as a movement for transparency, scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing has become a foundational layer of today’s data-driven and AI-enabled economy. Open data and open government data advanced the view that public information is a national asset that should be accessible to citizens, innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs. Its objectives included improving transparency, fighting…
Digital Technologies Are Temporal; Data Is Enduring
Agriculture has long been viewed as a fertile ground for technological innovation. Over the years, governments, donors, development agencies, and private companies have invested heavily in ICT-enabled solutions to address persistent challenges such as low productivity, limited market access, climate risks, financial exclusion, and weak extension services. Drawing on my work in ICT4D, D4D, D4Ag,…