Advancing Data Governance in Ethiopia: A Path to Sustainable Development

In January 2024, Ethiopia made a significant leap towards enhancing its data governance capabilities through a workshop co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and Ethiopia's Ministry of Innovation and Technology. Part of the "Developing institutional capacities for digital data management and cooperation to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals" project, funded by the China Peace and Development Sub-fund, this initiative aimed to fortify the foundation for Ethiopia's e-government services and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

A group of people gathered together for High-level Workshop in Session, presided by Minister Belete Molla Getahun
High-level Workshop in Session, presided by Minister Belete Molla Getahun

 

Empowering Through Education
The event brought together over 70 participants, including high-level officials and technical experts, to implement the UN DESA National Data Governance Framework and to deliberate on the establishment of a national data governance committee and the implementation of a national data sharing directive. By fostering a shared understanding of sound data management practices, the workshop aimed to pave the way for more efficient and transparent governance mechanisms in Ethiopia. The Workshop provided an opportunity to high-level officials and technical experts to implement the UN DESA National Data Governance Framework, which considers the engagement of institutions as a key pillar to harnessing the existing challenges.
 

A Commitment to Inclusion and Sustainable Development
Aligned with SDG 16, the workshop underscored Ethiopia's commitment to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Through this initiative, the country takes a step forward in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice for all.

 

Looking Ahead
The outcomes of this workshop are set to be shared at a Global Forum in Macau, China, in April 2024, reflecting Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to lead by example in the realm of data governance. With the establishment of the national data governance committee and the formal endorsement of the data sharing directive on the horizon, Ethiopia is on track to achieving its vision for a digitally empowered governance landscape.
 

Group Photo during the Opening Session of the Second Day Technical Workshop
Group Photo during the Opening Session of the Second Day Technical Workshop

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Think big, start small, scale fast, and act now” 

- Selected Quotes from the Workshop Evaluation