The preeminent peer learning and exchange network. Designed by and for Africans.

Achieving effective data governance in Africa requires bold, collaborative action.  

 Policymakers across the continent are faced with the complex task of balancing privacy protection with the need to foster a dynamic, innovation-driven data economy. The African Union has made significant strides in uniting national governments around a vision for social and economic development powered by data and digital technology. Initiatives such as the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy and Data Policy Framework, along with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, lay the groundwork for this transformation. 

However, turning these blueprints into reality will require more than strategic frameworks – it will demand capacity building, knowledge sharing, and deep collaboration across regions, countries, and sectors. Enter the Africa Data Leadership Initiative – also known as ADLI.

As the preeminent peer-to-peer learning network focused on data governance, ADLI is uniquely designed by and for Africans. Bringing together stakeholders working across the data ecosystem – from policymakers to researchers, technologists, and digital rights advocates – ADLI fosters a shared understanding of good data governance that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the African people. This unique positioning enables ADLI to serve as a strategic community builder, helping realize a positive data future for Africa that benefits people, markets and society. 

ADLI’s mission is to facilitate peer-learning to contribute towards the development of innovative solutions to operational and policy challenges pivotal to fostering a data economy that aligns with African aspirations. In doing so, ADLI offers African policymakers and changemakers a unique opportunity to design a tailor-made approach to advance robust data governance – one that leverages locally produced data to spur innovation, enhance public services, and promote equitable growth, all while safeguarding fundamental rights such as privacy.  

To realize this mission, ADLI structures its efforts on four distinct pillars:  

Enhance knowledge sharing: We bring together hand-selected practitioners and provide them with a tailored learning experience. ADLI participants are chosen in groups – or cohorts – that cover three to four countries at a time, with representatives of public, private, and non-profit entities that are critical to the country’s data governance conversation. The participants get access to a series of curated online policy dialogues, with a learning curriculum that covers a range of topics and best practices central to trusted data sharing, data governance, and data systems and infrastructure. We design and deliver these dialogues in partnership with Smart Africa and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Facilitate expert access: We offer participants the opportunity to connect with trusted mentors and advisors, including global experts and peers, who can provide access to credible, neutral guidance. This includes both online engagement and in-person events, such as leading events like the Transform Africa Summit and the Africa Internet Governance Forum.

Support cross-government collaboration: We foster cross-governmental approaches to trusted data sharing by developing and disseminating resources and facilitating the exchange of data-sharing principles and examples in practice – leading to well-grounded data governance decisions. The ADLI online resource hub consolidates the shared knowledge of this peer learning network and enables participants to access additional expertise from a curated curriculum based on African frameworks.  

Nurture a sustainable network. We provide participants with ways to continue their learning journey, such as through our ADLI Alumni. This network provides easy access to leading data governance experts who have been participants of previous ADLI cohorts, offering the opportunity for members to continue to engage and share best practices.  

In 2024, ADLI brought together a country cohort of over thirty data and policy experts from Uganda, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Zambia. These nations, like many across the continent, were – and remain – at different stages of digital readiness, each navigating unique challenges in shaping their digital futures.  

Aligned with the African Union Data Policy Framework, the ADLI curriculum covered key topics that are critical to advancing good data governance – and more broadly, digital transformation – across the continent, including: 

• Continental data governance frameworks 

• Foundational data infrastructure 

• Trustworthy and legitimate data systems 

• Data value creation 

• Integrated national data exchange systems 

• Data governance innovations 

In 2025, we will expand our country cohort selection to include representatives of public, private, and non-profit entities from four select countries. The curriculum on-offer will delve deeper into critical topics such as Africa’s role in global data governance, digital public infrastructure (DPI), data protection laws, and trustworthy data systems. In turn, this will enable participants to explore strategies for fostering a data-driven culture within government institutions, empowering them to apply these learnings to local contexts.  

At the same time, ADLI will explore how African countries are implementing key data governance frameworks, like the African Union Data Policy Framework and Smart Africa’s Data Governance Blueprint and examine challenges and opportunities in domesticating these frameworks at the national level.  

This year promises a robust, action-oriented learning environment that will help shape the future of data governance in Africa.  

African governments and policymakers are encouraged to nominate officials and suggest topics for tailored virtual learning events and forums designed to support ongoing engagement and peer exchange. To express interest or for more information, please contact us at adli@dial.global.