DataFest Africa has grown into a diverse community over the past years, bringing together various players from different corners of Africa and World. At the 5th edition of DataFest Africa, close to 250 Government officials, creatives, academics, students, technologists and designers convened at the scenic Aga Khan University in Nairobi, Kenya to dialogue on harnessing data & technology for Africa’s transformation and building a culture of data use across Africa.
We also acknowledge that in line with DataFest Africa’s code of conduct, a positive and inclusive environment prioritizing care and respect was expressed by all participants during our convening. If there is anything that did not go right, please do still let us know via info@pollicy.org.
To better visualize the value created by all stakeholders at DataFest, we have curated all public feedback as expressed by all of you on the various social media platforms and other online spaces.
You can still share your DataFest Experience to contribute to this community blog. Simply share your experience on social media using #DataFestAfrica24 and tag @PollicyOrg and we will continue building this blog into an in-depth experiential blog via https://datafest.africa/.
See below how the DataFest Africa 2024 community has been engaging;
- Tao Platt: “A picture from Datafest Africa in Nairobi, where I led an exercise on implementing data governance and regulation across Africa. Data regulation is essential for, but goes beyond, mitigating data privacy and cybersecurity risks. It opens new avenues for individual agency over your own data, and enables governments to deliver better, faster services to people.” More here
- Vanessa Gathecha: “I had the honor of participating as a panelist at the recent #DataFestAfrica2024 organized by Pollicy, where we discussed the use, experiences, and future expectations of Artificial Intelligence. Our panel featured four women from diverse fields, including AgriTech & Business Development, Computer Science, Journalism, and Social Sciences.” Read More here
- Ms Fatma Haruna Songoro: “Echoing my incredible experience at #DataFestAfrica 2024, hosted by Pollicy in Nairobi at AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, EAST AFRICA. This event was a goldmine of insights, valuable connections & impact allow me to hint on a few” Read More here
- NIYEL: “#DataFest Africa 2024 spotlighted many innovators, data scientists, tech-preneurs, creatives, academics, and techies step! It showcased their groundbreaking work from diverse fields, highlighting their transformative contributions to different sectors such as health, education, and finance. Here are some take-home messages from our team and other amazing women who attended the event.” Read More here
- Ogieomo Yvonne Eweka: “Last week at the #DataFestAfrica24, I co-hosted a workshop on “Exploiting Civic Tech Opportunities and Strengthening the Resilience of African Communities” with AfricTivistes where we discussed case by case basis on the state and impact of civic tech innovation in driving civic activism and role emerging technologies play in strengthening community participation in governance processes on the continent.” Read More here
- Lillian Anyango: “At #DataFestAfrica24, Pollicy launched the internet scorecard designed to ensure an accessible, affordable and safe internet for African Women. This informed a discussion reflecting and forecasting on the #FutureofWork with an #Afrofeminist view in a fast paced #digital landscape.A major theme that was discussed is the adaptation to the #futureofwork in the #digital era. This is demonstrated by employers’ willingness to adopt #hybrid and #remote models in order to champion #womensrights and enhance #productivity. #Mentalhealth of women as they work remotely is critical.” Read More here
- Victor Ndede: “#ICYMI our regional vs national data governance approaches in East Africa panel discussion at #DataFestAfrica24 by Pollicy. Here is a video highlight of how it went down! My sincere gratitude to our panelists for their brilliant interventions and thoughts” Read More here
- Wakìnì Njogu: “Last Friday, I represented Development Gateway: An IREX Venture on this great panel at #DataFestAfrica24 discussing how to redress Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) through Afro-centric and gendered approaches. Thank you, IREX (Transform program) and Pollicy, for the invite (and Varaidzo Faith M. for the great moderation!). Read More here
- Lilian N. Mbuthi: “Wrapping up Day 2 and Day 3 of #DataFestAfrica24 has been nothing short of enlightening! From diving into : The Power of Gender Data in Afro-feminist Data Futures and Uncovering the Potential for Meaningful Change; to exploring Innovative Uses of Data to Address Healthcare Challenges in Africa, I’ve gained fresh insights on leveraging data for my SRHR , SGBV & Gender Equality advocacy.” Read More here
- Caleb Ndaka “Last week, at Datafest Africa 24, it was an honor to moderate this session on children’s safety in an increasingly data driven world, where children’s data is collected even before birth. The key takeaway is that Africa is a more social and communal society, and so parents and guardians are always sharing children’s information with friends and relatives as a way of socialization, and therefore strategies that seek slowing down sharing aren’t effective. Rather, what we need is more empowerment of children and parents to enable them to become more aware of the risks and harms.” Read More here
- Belamy Boson: “Understanding data governance is essential for maintaining data integrity, privacy and effective management. I had the opportunity to attend the Data Governance MasterClass courtesy of Pollicy in collaboration with NIYEL at #datafestafrica24. I have gained an understanding of data governance fundamentals, the development of data governance frameworks and the importance of fostering a data-driven culture.” Read More here
- Doreen Gift Bujjingo: “I was happy to participate in the panel discussing the topic: How is Data and Technology driving Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa; by sharing insights on how the Parish Development Management Information System is improving the management of the poverty eradication program in Uganda there by practically improving people’s lives and creating Sustainable accountability.” Read More here
- Dr. Hope Simiyu: “I had the honor of participating in a breakout panel on how technology is transforming journalism. As a health educator and advocate, it was refreshing to provide an outsider’s perspective on communicating with audiences from outside the newsroom. Today, many narratives come from outside the newsroom, leveraging various technologies to disseminate information. It was insightful to learn how the media is adapting to these technological changes in their evolving landscape.” Read More here
- Charlene Migwe-Kagume: “A big shout out to Irene Mwendwa and the rest of the Pollicy for an impactful few days at DataFest 2024 here in Nairobi. The sessions were a great way of exploring the dynamic interplay between art, digital innovation, and public policy. Great way to reflect on the role we can all play in making technology inclusive and work. This year we participated in discussions with our partners IREX on Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence(TFGBV) with Wakìnì Njogu and Judy Karioko on the panel. Looking forward to DataFest next year!” Read More here
- Sadik Shahadu: “Afrofeminist Internet Scorecard: A tool to assess the progress of achieving an equitable internet for women in Africa. An interesting session at #Datafestafrica24 in Nairobi, Kenya.👏🏼 ART+FEMINISM Pollicy” Read More here
- Sheila Nekesa Wafula: “#DataFestAfrica24 Recap: WOW. Pollicy is set to go. They’re going far and the frontiers that lie ahead are exponential. I have seen teams work together but not as seamless as this. One thing I picked was tapping into the beauty of delegation. Everyone was involved in their specific roles and they delivered. As a future team leader, that was quite inspirational.” Read More here
- Caleb Ndaka: “It has been a great day at #DataFestAfrica24 In this session we had great discussions on children’s safety in the current data driven society. It was particularly interesting to hear new anxieties and concerns from parents and policy makers from 5 African countries. Read here
- Peninah Susan Igaga: “It was an honor being part of this event and success. Looking forward to even greater conversations by @PollicyOrg.” Read here
- Ronda Zelezny- Green PhD: “Thank YOU @PollicyOrg for organising such an incredible event with meaningful content that was well-paced, along with self-care being prioritised. Look forward to returning to #DataFestAfrica in future years!” Read here
- GovoteNg: “We are excited to have joined @PollicyOrg for the #DataFestAfrica2024 event over the past three days in Nairobi, to explore ways of harnessing data for Africa’s transformation. It was also a great time to connect with Partner’s doing amazing work across the continent.” Read here
- Penda Fall: “It was a pleasure to take part in this discussion and share my experience as a tech entrepreneur. I discussed technological innovations and highlighted how young people in Senegal 🇸🇳 ❤️are making wonderful strides in innovation.” Read here
- Co-Creation Hub: “Here is what the #DataFestAfrica24 Event by CcHUB & AfricTivistes event had to teach us about Exploiting Civic Tech.” Read the full blog here.
