NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi is abuzz with excitement as over 250 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, civil society, donors, academics, students, and private industry experts, gather for DataFest Africa 2024.
This year’s event, organized by the Aga Khan University and Pollicy, is themed “Opportunities for All: Harnessing Data & Technology for Africa’s Transformation.”
The conference celebrates data use in East Africa and provides a platform to tackle the challenges hindering the growth of Africa’s data ecosystem.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Data Commissioner Oscar Otieno, representing the Office of the Data Commissioner, praised the efforts of Aga Khan University and Pollicy in creating a forum dedicated to advancing data use.
“Data plays a crucial role in accelerating the ICT ecosystem. Enacting legislation is just one step. The next step is ensuring effective implementation and enforcement, which are crucial for the success of data protection efforts,” Otieno emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to raise awareness, provide guidance, and enforce compliance with data laws, including investing in capacity building, training, and technology.
One of the most compelling discussions at DataFest Africa 2024 revolves around the transformative power of data in healthcare.
The World Health Organization estimates that data-driven healthcare interventions could save up to one million lives annually by 2030.
Farhana Alarakhiya, Aga Khan University’s Chief Innovation Officer, underscored the university’s commitment to using data-driven methods for proactive preventative healthcare.
“Through the integrated electronic health record system, we are using data to innovate from our cultural context to enable better outcomes,” Alarakhiya stated.
This approach is vital in addressing population health issues and ensuring better health outcomes for communities.
Since its inception in 2019, DataFest Africa has been a beacon of progress, celebrating the evolving impact of data science on the African continent.
Phillip Ayazika, Pollicy’s Director of Programs, pointed out that despite significant global advances in data use, many African countries still struggle to harness data for social good.
“We endeavor to use data to help engineer social change, and this fifth edition of DataFest is one of those instrumental ways,” Ayazika noted.
This commitment to leveraging data for social impact is a driving force behind the conference’s initiatives and discussions.
