Responsible data governance for monitoring and evaluation in the African context

This two-part series from CLEAR-Anglophone Africa and MERL Tech covers both theoretical and practical aspects of responsible data governance in M&E.

Authors and their affiliation

CLEAR-Anglophone Africa and MERL Tech

Key features

This is a two-part series from CLEAR-Anglophone Africa and MERL Tech.

Part 1: Overview of Data Governance focuses on theoretical aspects of data governance with particular emphasis on personal and sensitive data, Africa’s data ecosystem, and the M&E practices of various actors involved. It considers the African contextual reality in which no single common law exists to govern data practices, and states have varying levels of data capacity and regulation. Finally, it summarizes privacy-related debates in the framework of M&E and the data revolution and points towards alternative data governance models that might be suited for the continent.

Part 2: Practical Guidance offers practical guidance on responsible data governance of personal and sensitive data in Africa in the context of monitoring and evaluation. Following the ‘data lifecycle,’ it offers tips and guidance as well as case studies to support M&E professionals to manage data responsibly in their work.

How have you used or intend on using this data governance resource?

The publication offers an insightful examination of data governance, with a special emphasis on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in the African context. Part 1 does a good job of diving into the issues and regulations around data governance. It takes into consideration the unique challenges and opportunities of the African data ecosystem, discussing the current state of data privacy laws in the continent. Part 2 focuses on practical steps that evaluators and others working with data can take. The guidelines highlight the importance of ethical, social justice, and equity-driven data analytics, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable individuals and groups. Organizations and individuals involved in data collection can apply the principles and guidelines in the guide to ensure safe, secure, and ethical management of sensitive data.

Why would you recommend it to other people?

In an era marked by growing concerns over data protection and the digital transformation catalyzed by COVID-19, this guide is timely and resonates with the urgent need for responsible data governance. Although tailored for the African context, the principles and guidelines have global relevance, making it valuable for a wide audience. The publication not only deals with technical aspects but also delves into the broader ethical and social considerations, offering a well-rounded view of the subject.