Driving data innovation in Africa: Digital Earth Africa at the Specialised Training Group (STG) 17 meeting in Kigali

Digital Earth Africa participated in the first Annual Meeting of the Specialized Technical Group on Emerging Issues (STG17), held from 10–12 September 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting brought together policymakers, statisticians, researchers, and development partners to chart a path for data innovation across the continent. 

Innovation at the heart of Africa’s data future

The Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA II), adopted in 2018, provides a ten-year roadmap (2017–2026) for strengthening statistical systems across the continent. A key element of this strategy is the establishment of Specialized Technical Groups (STGs) to harmonize methods and standards across 18 focus areas. 

STG17 focuses on emerging issues such as Big Data, Open Data, Earth Observation, and citizen-generated data. Its mandate reflects Africa’s urgent need to build data ecosystems that are dynamic, innovative, and responsive to the challenges of the 21st century.

The Kigali meeting, co-organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and AU STATAFRIC, set out to establish the STG17 Bureau, exchange best practices, and design a medium-term continental action plan for 2025–2030.

Country experiences and best practices

Throughout the three days, participants highlighted how alternative data sources can complement traditional surveys and censuses. These include mobile phone data, administrative records, GIS, Earth Observation, and citizen-generated data.

• Nigeria showcased its progress in automating data collection across more than 100 ministries and agencies, supported by geospatial technologies.
• Tunisia presented innovations in diversifying data sources and building capacity through bilateral collaboration, including the integration of mobile and remote sensing data.

A strong theme emerged: National Statistics Offices (NSOs) are central to Africa’s data revolution, but lasting transformation will require deeper partnerships with universities, research institutions, private companies, and the civil society.

Digital Earth Africa’s contribution

Dr Lisa Rebelo, Acting Managing Director, Digital Earth Africa, introduced the program as a continental service that delivers free, decision-ready Earth Observation data. She demonstrated how DE Africa’s platforms and cloud infrastructure support official statistics, planning, and the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A live demo highlighted practical uses such as tracking population trends, urban expansion, and water resources. Participants praised the platform’s accessibility and innovation, recognising DE Africa as a valuable partner in advancing statistical harmonisation. 

Dr Rebelo also highlighted DE Africa’s past collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics of Tunisia (INS) as well as potential partnership with the National Agency of Statistics and Demography of Senegal (ANSD), showcasing how Earth observation data is being, and can be, translated into national priorities.

A roadmap for 2025–2030

The final day of the meeting focused on building a continental action plan for STG17. Delegates identified data gaps, mapped opportunities for innovation, and developed a framework for collaboration.

With the adoption of a medium-term plan, STG17 will play a pivotal role in ensuring Africa’s statistical systems are equipped to harness emerging data sources, strengthen governance, and deliver trusted, harmonized, and timely statistics.