Dataphyte Foundation, a social impact organisation, dedicated to leveraging data tools and technology for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, hosted a webinar on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The event examined how technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence and data insights, foster democratic elections.
The webinar, moderated by Dataphyte’s Global Director, Rosemary Olufemi, drew over 130 participants and featured expert panellists, including Rhoda Omenya, Implementation and Development Manager at Ushahidi, Mukhtar Modibbo Halilu, Secretary-General of Follow the Money, and Joshua Olufemi, Founder of Dataphyte Foundation. The discussion focused on emerging technologies, public trust in electoral process and the importance of data in elections.
With over 500 million people across 24 countries in Africa set to be impacted by upcoming elections, the webinar highlighted the importance of providing accurate and timely information to voters. Of these, over 200 million people are of voting age, and the webinar emphasized the need to empower them with data-driven insights to make informed decisions at the polls.
“This conversation is important now because of the critical questions that need answers, such as how we can use data, insights, and technology to enhance electoral integrity, citizen participation, and voters’ rights, while also promoting inclusion,” said Joshua Olufemi, Executive Director, Dataphyte Foundation. “For us, the key challenge is how to bring data to bear on these conversations and drive meaningful change.
Speaking on the role that technology plays in enhancing civic engagement, trust, and inclusion in elections, Rhoda Omenya noted that Ushahidi’s incorporation of AI into their tool has automated tasks, improved efficiency, and enhanced citizen engagement. She further added that, “When it comes to voting, especially when it comes to how technology is driving that, we’re seeing a significant challenge with women’s voices being missing. Partners in remote areas often only have access to male figureheads. So you’d find that women’s voices are often left out.” She emphasised the importance of critical partners who can speak to different aspects of the election cycle, particularly for marginalized groups – women and people with disabilities.
Mukhtar Moddibo highlighted the need to build trust in the election system and address the cultural and demographic dynamics that affect women’s participation in elections. Mukhtar Moddibo reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership in building trust in the electoral process, stating that “elections are not just for government and civil society, but for each and every one of us.”
In conclusion, the panellists called for a collaborative approach to enhancing to ensure free and fair elections in Africa. They also emphasized the importance of building trust and promoting gender inclusivity in the electoral process. The event was part of Dataphyte Foundation’s efforts to drive election conversations using data, insights, and technology to enhance electoral integrity and citizen participation in Africa.
Femi D. Amele, Programme Director at Dataphyte Foundation, in his final words, highlighted the potential of Dataphyte’s Goloka AI product, stating, “Our Goloka AI product is a fantastic platform that helps with geospatial planning, data gathering, and provides an opportunity to even do more when it comes to elections, as we have it. We look forward to collaborating with Ushahidi and Connected Development to provide more social and socioeconomic insights across Africa.”
For further information and access to research publications by Dataphyte on elections in Nigeria and other countries in Africa, click here
Signed by
Femi Amele,
Programme Director, Dataphyte Foundation