Kenya’s Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, has urged deeper collaboration between Ghana and Kenya in advancing Africa’s data transformation agenda, stressing that robust statistical systems are vital for sustainable development and prosperity.
Speaking at the Pre-Global Data Festival High-Level Meeting in Accra, Dr. Obudho said the event provided a platform for Ghana and Kenya to share successes and chart future commitments ahead of the 2026 Global Data Festival in Nairobi. He mentioned that without good data in the right hands, governments would be “flying blind,” underscoring the central role of evidence-based policymaking.
“Kenya and Ghana are among the pioneers on the continent taking bold steps to strengthen statistical systems,” Dr. Obudho said. “Our joint work in innovative data collection, the use of citizen data, and championing inclusivity has truly set us apart. But the real success lies in authentic collaboration across governments and non-state actors, without which data efforts cannot go far.”
The Accra gathering, convened by the Government of Ghana in partnership with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, brought together senior government officials, civil society, academia, and private sector players. It highlighted Ghana’s leadership in strengthening data systems and Kenya’s preparations to host the 2026 Global Data Festival.
On behalf of the Kenyan government, Dr. Obudho thanked Ghana for its hospitality and reaffirmed Nairobi’s commitment to advancing Pan-African collaboration in data innovation. “We are guided by the power of data, united by the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and driven by the shared vision of a better future for all,” he said.
Kenya, often dubbed the “Silicon Savannah” for its fast-growing technology ecosystem, has become a hub for digital innovation and data-driven solutions. This status provides opportunities for Ghanaian tech and data firms to tap into Kenyan expertise, foster cross-border partnerships, and scale their operations, particularly in fintech, healthtech, and digital governance.
