Nairobi IATI workshop engages key African development data users

From November 4-6 2024, IATI engaged governments, civil society organisations and publishers in a three-day workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. Over three days, 43 participants joined to forge new partnerships, learn how to use IATI data, and kick-start conversations about IATI’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2030.

The event brought together participants from across Africa to promote greater transparency in development cooperation. Attendees included representatives from Burundi, Cabo Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The workshop was also attended by IATI publishers from UNICEF and the European Union.

IATI Executive Director Yemesrach Assefa Workie welcomed the workshop participants, providing opening remarks:

“In an era where the global landscape is marked by rapid change, the need for transparency in development cooperation has never been more urgent. We are called not just to share information but to do so in a manner that fosters trust, accountability, and informed decision-making.”

A key theme of the workshop was leveraging data to drive change and the Executive Director encouraged attendees to think creatively: “Data provides us with insights that can drive decisions, shape strategies, and inform policies. But data is only as good as the way we use it.”

Ms. Workie emphasised the importance of events like the workshop for fostering collaboration, stating that “engagement is the lifeblood of our work at IATI. It’s about building strong relationships with stakeholders and creating a shared vision for transparent and effective development efforts.”

“In an era where the global landscape is marked by rapid change, the need for transparency in development cooperation has never been more urgent. We are called not just to share information but to do so in a manner that fosters trust, accountability, and informed decision-making.” – Yemesrach Assefa Workie, Executive Director of IATI

Day 1: Understanding Data Needs

The first day of the workshop focused on data needs – including an introduction to who publishes IATI data, how the IATI Standard works, and its role in tracking the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, organisers identified what kinds of information are most useful to participants, and the questions they want to answer using development and humanitarian resource data. The team also discussed how participants currently use IATI data, and the tools they use to access it.

Day 2: A deep dive into IATI

Building on day one, the group took a closer look at the types of information available in IATI data, and how to make the most of it. Participants explored real-world activities published using the IATI Standard through D-Portal and the Country Development Finance Data Dashboard. This hands-on session gave participants practical skills to navigate IATI data, and was followed by a feedback session, in which participants highlighted priority areas for IATI to improve data, tools and user support.

Day 3: Looking to 2030 and beyond

The final day of the workshop looked to the future, discussing emerging trends in international cooperation and imagining what transparency and accountability could look like in 2030 and beyond. The group explored how trends in politics, finance and technology are affecting aid transparency, and how IATI can pave the way for a future where data informs policy, empowers communities, fosters trust, and drives sustainable development.

Participants heard a keynote speech from Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Mercy K. Wambua, (OGW), at the Commission on Administrative Justice Office of the Ombudsman, Government of Kenya. Ms. Wambua highlighted Kenya’s commitment to strengthening governance and accountability.

IATI’s workshop in Nairobi showed how IATI data can drive openness and accountability in global development. Alongside developing practical skills, participants shared insights and reflections that have kick-started a year-long consultation process designing a new strategic plan for IATI. The Secretariat wishes to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came to Nairobi to help shape a future in which open data drives meaningful impact on development worldwide.