The State of Development Data

Data and statistical insights are key drivers for international development. They allow decision-makers to: objectively understand the reality and complexity of the world, logically coordinate various development activities between conflicting priorities, and effectively distribute finite resources, such as money and people. From the United Nations and World Bank to governments to non-profits, narratives in their visions, strategies, roadmaps, and reports often rely heavily on numbers and charts. In other words, data enables storytelling in the development sector, and stories are the interface that translates local contexts into a globally recognizable call to action. When I presented digital transformation practices in Malawi, I also referred to several publicly available statistics to highlight key challenges in the local environment: Less than 20% internet penetration More than 50% of the population under 18 More than 80% of rural populations Around 80% of the total population…