AOSP East Africa Node – Invitation to Online Consultation on African Data Access Guidelines

Online Consultation on African Data Access Guidelines
AOSP East Africa Node – Invitation to Online Consultation on African Data Access Guidelines

AOSP East Africa Node – Invitation to Online Consultation on African Data Access Guidelines

Overview:

AICAD Open Science Platform Node wishes to invite you to a 45-minute online consultation aimed at shaping African Guidelines for Access to Data, in alignment with Resolution 620 of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

📅 Date: Friday, 18 July 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM SAST (East Africa Time: 11:00 AM EAT)
📍 Platform: Online via Zoom
🔗 Join the meeting: Click here to join the online Zoom

Why This Matter:

Resolution 620 presents a significant opportunity to advance open science in Africa by:

  • Recognizing equitable access to data as foundational to a just and inclusive digital society.
  • Calling for investment in data quality, literacy, and capacity building.
  • Urging African states to adopt a default of public access to publicly-funded data, while respecting privacy and human rights standards.

What to Expect:

🔹 Opening Address
We are honoured to have Hon. Commissioner Ourveena Topsy Geereesha Sonoo, African Commission Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, kick off the session.

🔹 Facilitated Discussion
Prof. Wafula will guide us through key focus areas, with space for your direct input after each point:

  1. Legal & Regulatory Reform:
    What laws or policies are needed to facilitate public-interest data access while safeguarding rights?
  2. Data Supply Incentives:
    What practical strategies can support sustainable data-sharing partnerships?
  3. User Empowerment:
    How can governments empower data users—like the AOSP community—through support and infrastructure?
  4. Defining State Roles:
    What roles should specific public entities (science councils, health authorities, etc.) play in enabling access?

Join the Conversation:

This is your chance to help shape continental policy on data access that enables African-led research, innovation, and development. Your insights are crucial to building practical and inclusive data access frameworks that serve all sectors of society.

🗓️ Save the date and click the link to join the meeting live:
👉 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81930991334?pwd=AYOKlnapwhU9FV9acbjC55sImGdkwH.1&jst=4

We look forward to your participation!

—
AICAD Open Science Platform Node
Advancing Open Science for Africa’s Future