On 14 October 2024, between 12:30 and 13:30, a crucial regional meeting for the coordination of French-speaking African countries in the Open Knowledge Network was held online. This virtual meeting brought together various stakeholders in the field of open data in French-speaking Africa, with the main aim of mapping the civil society organisations active in this field. The initiative was spearheaded by Narcisse Mbunzama, the Regional Coordinator for Francophone Africa, who led the presentation and discussions.
Objectives and context of the meeting
The meeting aimed to understand and assess the current landscape of civil society organisations engaged in open data across Francophone African countries. The idea was to create a mapping of these organisations to better understand their activities, structures, missions, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face.
A central point of this discussion was the exploration of the sources of funding for these organisations, as well as their relationships and collaborations with the Open Knowledge Network.
Presentation by Mr Narcisse Mbunzama: An Overview of Open Data
During this session, Mr Narcisse Mbunzama gave a detailed presentation that gave participants a clear view of the current state of open data initiatives in French-speaking African countries. The presentation highlighted a number of civil society organisations already active in this field, while also highlighting the specific dynamics in each country.
It emerged that while some organisations have succeeded in developing innovative and impactful projects, they often face a lack of financial support and recognition at international level. The presentation also highlighted a major challenge: the lack of formal collaboration between these local organisations and the Open Knowledge Foundation, as well as the lack of local chapters and individuals affiliated to the Open Knowledge Foundation in many French-speaking countries.
Challenges and opportunities for civil society organisations
The discussions revealed a number of challenges to the growth and impact of open data initiatives in the region.Some of the key barriers identified include:
- Lack of sustainable funding: The majority of civil society organisations rely on one-off funding, which limits their ability to develop long-term projects and make strategic plans for the sustainable development of open data.
- Lack of structured collaboration: Participants highlighted the lack of formal links between local organisations and the global Open Knowledge Network. This hinders the spread of good practice in open data.
- Lack of awareness of the Open Knowledge Foundation: In many French-speaking African countries, the existence of the Open Knowledge Foundation and its role in promoting open data is not well known. This limits the involvement of local players who could otherwise benefit from this global network.
However, the meeting also highlighted significant opportunities, including:
The rise of local initiatives: Several countries in French-speaking Africa are seeing a surge in innovative initiatives and projects promoting the use of open data in various sectors, such as governance, education and health.
Potential for collaboration: There is a strong desire among local organisations to collaborate and connect with the Open Knowledge Network to share resources, expertise and solutions adapted to local contexts.
Strengthening Collaboration and the Membership Process
A key part of the meeting was devoted to discussing the Open Knowledge Network membership process for organisations and individuals in French-speaking African countries. Mr Mbunzama explained the steps involved in joining the network, which include registering as a member and setting up local chapters to represent the Network in their respective countries.
Setting up local chapters was seen as a crucial step in strengthening the presence and impact of the Open Knowledge Foundation in the region. This would not only support local organisations but also facilitate better coordination and cooperation between open data initiatives across French-speaking African countries.
Next Steps and Future Call for Meetings
At the end of the meeting, it was proposed to issue a new call for a follow-up meeting that would focus on implementing the ideas discussed. This call, the date of which will be announced later, aims to deepen discussions on strategic partnerships and explore practical ways in which local organisations can work with the Open Knowledge Foundation to promote the adoption of open data.
The long-term goal is to build a strong and connected community of open data stakeholders in Francophone Africa, capable of overcoming local challenges while aligning with international standards. This will not only help to increase transparency and access to information in the region, but also promote sustainable development through policies based on reliable data that is accessible to all.
Conclusion
This regional meeting was a significant step towards a better understanding and integration of open data initiatives in French-speaking African countries. It laid the foundations for a more structured collaboration between local organisations and the Open Knowledge Network. By building on this momentum, it will be possible to create a robust and inclusive ecosystem that will support efforts towards transparency, innovation and sustainable development in the region.
Joining the Network and collaborating with the Open Knowledge Foundation is a crucial step for local organisations. They will be able to benefit from global expertise and shared resources to maximise the impact of their initiatives on the ground. The next meeting will be an opportunity to deepen these exchanges and define concrete actions to promote open data throughout the French-speaking region of Africa.
