African nations urged to use data to cut import dependence

African countries have been urged to embrace the use of data in solving their problems to reduce over-dependence on imports.

Without facts supported by data, the continent may continue to languish in poverty as the fast technologically advancing world increasingly becomes dependent on evidence-based approaches to create solutions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, said the integration of data will help inform solution-based policies, with focus on health, education, agriculture and human capital. 

Ogamba's statement was delivered on Tuesday by a speech shared by the Ministry's Research and Development Director, Roselida Awuor, during Evidence for Development event in Nairobi.

Ogamba emphasised the importance of aligning education systems with Africa’s scientific ambitions while calling on the need for more investments towards the sector that largely contributes to economic growth. 

“Data, evidence and innovation are not mere buzz words. They are lights for sustainable development which allow us to identify challenges, they inform our decisions that enable us to assign effective policies and allocate resources effectively," he said. 

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He noted that investing in data will help accelerate industrialisation and innovation by prioritising homegrown scientific research, technological advancement that can reduce dependence on imports and foster local value addition geared towards realising African Union's Agenda 2063. 

Themed "optimising the role of data, energy and innovation in Africa's efforts to create wealth, empower citizens and foster responsive and inclusive governance," according to organisers of the event, the conference seeks to also deliberate on data for inclusive governance and regional climate solutions. 

The event was organised by African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation, and African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) in collaboration with the Kenyan government. 

"For the economic growth of our society and realisation of Africa's transportation, we should remember that data is the foundation evident in society and innovation in the region. (8:19) Whether in government, business or social development, the results will determine whether the continent achieves Agenda 2063 and 2030," stated Ogamba. 

Jessie Kabwila, Minister of Higher Education, Malawi called for more investment in research, institutions of higher learning and knowledge ecosystem to achieve 21st-century workforce that Africa needs.

“Africa’s higher education enrollment stands at around nine per cent, compared to a global average of 38%. Africa invests around 0.5 per cent of its GDP in research and development, compared to the global average of 2.2 per cent," she said.

"Our research infrastructure is often inadequate, and many of our brightest minds leave the continent due to limited opportunities,” added Kabwila. 

Eliya Zulu, Executive Director of AFIDEP, said the need for using evidence to enhance efficiency and ensure every resource counts, calling on institutions to shun corruption. 

According to Zulu, funds amounting to 140 billion dollars are lost through mismanagement, inefficiencies, and outright theft across the continent every year 

"That is more than enough to finance critical sectors such as education and healthcare. Evidence can and should help us trace these leakages,
identify systemic weaknesses, and design better safeguards for public resources,” she said. 

Dr Tom Kariuki, CEO of SFA Foundation, urged stakeholders to harness evidence and technologies like AI in sectors like healthcare, education, wealth creation, climate change and governance to leapfrog development. 

“Transformative change doesn’t happen in silos; it demands collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders to unlock the full value of data, evidence, and innovation for the continent," he said.