The first in-person gathering of the 2025 Africa Data Leadership Initiative (ADLI) cohort proved that sustained peer learning can fundamentally reshape approaches to data governance in Africa. On the sidelines of the 14th Africa Internet Governance Forum in Tanzania, ADLI participants from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana demonstrated the evolution of their thinking – on topics ranging from technical implementation to strategic policy design – through an intensive data governance simulation exercise.
The convening served as a clear example of how months of virtual collaboration can translate into real-world problem-solving capabilities. Cohort members navigated complex governance scenarios with sophistication, seamlessly integrating concepts of data justice, regulatory frameworks, and inclusive service delivery that they had explored throughout their ADLI journey.
Three specific elements of this event proved particularly valuable in moving the cohort from virtual learning into hands-on practice.
Direct engagement with local innovators offered practical insights to compliment virtual coursework on data governance.
Across six weeks leading up to this event, the ADLI cohort explored how data can be a force multiplier for socio-economic progress, examined integrated national data exchange systems like Ghana.gov and Rwanda’s Irembo, and delved into inclusive data governance practices that prioritize community ownership and meaningful consent.
To test and apply these concepts in a real-world setting, the cohort visited dLab in Tanzania to engage directly with innovators and various actors leading in-country data-driven governance work. ADLI participants discussed how the civil society organization is bridging government data needs with policy action, particularly addressing service delivery gaps that have historically hindered effective governance. The visit put on display the evidence-informed policy and inclusive digital innovation concepts that the cohort had explored virtually.
But, what made this engagement particularly valuable was the hands-on exploration of data justice principles in action. Cohort members examined specific cases where dLab’s evidence-informed policy approach had created tangible improvements in climate change adaptation, gender inclusion, and urban planning. The interactive nature of this engagement allowed ADLI participants to test their understanding of inclusive digital and data innovation concepts against real implementation challenges. The visit demonstrated precisely how specialized civil society organizations can leverage data to address complex development challenges, while maintaining accountability to communities.
This practical complement to the cohort’s virtual ADLI learning journey proved immediately applicable, with members seeing firsthand how the data governance principles they studied can translate into concrete policy action and community impact.
Opportunities to see data systems in action provided concrete examples of integrated governance frameworks.
Having explored integrated national data exchange systems like Ghana.gov and Rwanda’s IREMBO, the ADLI cohort was primed to continue to analyse real-world implementations of these concepts.
The next stop on the ADLI in-person event was a visit to Tanzania’s Jamii Stack, which offered a comprehensive case study in translating integrated data systems theory into practice. The Jamii Xchange platform, which consolidates access to land records, health services, education resources, immigration records, and business information, provided a tangible example of how thoughtful system design can eliminate the fragmentation that often characterizes government service delivery.
What made this examination particularly beneficial of the ADLI cohort was seeing inclusive design principles in action. Members analysed how the platform recognizes that citizens interact with the government holistically, not in departmental silos. This user-centric approach reflects the design principles that participants have explored throughout the ADLI learning program. Participants could directly observe how technology serves human needs rather than institutional convenience, connecting their theoretical discussions to concrete implementation decisions.
In-person, collaborative problem-solving accelerated practical application of data governance principles.
Throughout their virtual learning sessions, ADLI cohort members explored complex concepts around balancing progress with protection, integrated data systems, and building trust in digital governance. But, they had yet to test these concepts against realistic, complex scenarios.
In this final in-person gathering, the ADLI cohort were led through an intensive data governance simulation exercise. During this interactive session, the members worked together to navigate intricate governance challenges, seamlessly integrating concepts they had explored throughout their virtual journey. The simulation required them to apply extensive learning to complex, realistic scenarios that demanded both technical knowledge and strategic policy thinking.
What made this simulation particularly powerful was witnessing how peer learning had fundamentally reshaped participants’ approach to digital governance. Rather than focusing on technical implementation alone, cohort members demonstrated sophisticated strategic thinking, weighing policy trade-offs and considering community impact in ways that showed clear evolution from their early ADLI sessions. The collaborative nature of the exercise allowed participants to build on each other’s insights, test different approaches, and refine solutions through real-time peer feedback.
The simulation proved that virtual collaboration, when structured effectively, creates genuine problem-solving capabilities that translate directly to real-world contexts. Participants left with enhanced confidence in their ability to tackle complex data governance challenges and concrete examples of how theoretical principles could be operationalized in their home countries through collaborative, strategic thinking.
From Tanzania back to home countries, participants carry forward concrete strategies for implementation.
The true test of this first in-person ADLI convening will be how effectively participants translate their enhanced understanding into concrete improvements in their home countries.
Through simulation exercises, hands-on case exchange with dLab Tanzania, and comprehensive analysis of the Jamii Stack, cohort members return to Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana equipped with implementation strategies that extend far beyond theoretical understanding. At the same time, the enthusiasm and commitment to ongoing collaboration expressed by ADLI participants suggests that the networks formed will contribute to building a pan-African digital governance community that will drive meaningful progress across the continent.
