Around the world, the effective use of data has become a critical part of national development strategies. Transformative data allows governments and organizations to make informed decisions that not only fuel economic growth and development but also ignite innovation across various sectors.
The public sector, in particular, is keen to embrace digital solutions. However, often new tools and skills are required to maximize the power of data for societal progress. Globally, there are various initiatives underway with development partners to work alongside public services to support this. At Global Voice Group (GVG), our approach is centered around capacity development and empowering nations to tap into data’s full potential.
In the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of collaboration, capacity development, and technological innovation to drive sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, the newly adopted Global Digital Compact in the Pact for the Future, provides a framework to support closing digital divides, expanding inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy, and an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space. This drives home the message that effective use of data isn’t just about adopting new systems—it’s about fostering a data-driven culture that can reshape economies and societies.
New data skills and tools
For governments to fully harness the potential of transformative data, building the right capabilities is vital. In lower income countries, this transformation is crucial, as data-driven tools can enable them to leapfrog traditional development models. To achieve this, regulatory bodies must take proactive steps toward e-Government services, ensuring that their infrastructure and processes are prepared for this shift. GVG’s real-time transaction monitoring systems support governments to manage digital services more efficiently, from mobile payments to digital public services. For instance, GVG's systems provide governments with real-time insights into mobile money transactions, as seen in countries like Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where GVG helped the authorities account for and trace 100 percent of mobile money transactions. This enabled better regulatory oversight, fraud detection, and enhanced governance, supporting the country's broader digital economy initiatives.
Capacity development also involves training programs that empower public officials to use data effectively. Being part of the Global Partnership network has provided opportunities for GVG to leverage the expertise and network of partners to conduct joint training sessions, including on business process mapping, covering key areas like document certification, predictive analytics, and emergency response. This supports us to reach further to ensure that countries can fully benefit from data-driven solutions.
The capability-building programs supported by the Global Partnership play a crucial role in driving growth and innovation. These programs empower teams to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and make more informed decisions. By aligning processes with strategic goals, they help identify bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation, resulting in improved productivity and adaptability. This strengthens the ability of organizations to respond to new challenges, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
When equipped with the right skills and tools, governments can significantly enhance the quality of life for their citizens. The ability to analyze and act on vast datasets enables nations to navigate complex challenges, turning potential into tangible outcomes. This advantage, driven by transformative data, promotes long-term economic growth, innovation, and resilience.
Investment in digital technology
The enhancement of technology is the backbone of any data-driven transformation. Emerging economies must look into advanced solutions like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics to remain competitive in the digital age. These technologies can not only strengthen governance, but also drive innovation by unlocking new business models, improving connectivity, and enhancing service delivery.
GVG’s work with governments and regulatory bodies is significant because it directly impacts the operational efficiency and transparency of critical sectors like telecommunications and finance. In Zimbabwe, GVG’s tools enhanced the government’s ability to detect telecom fraud and ensure compliance with national regulations, which not only safeguarded revenue but also improved service quality for end users. Through these technological advancements, emerging economies can stay ahead in the global digital transformation and ensure they are prepared to compete internationally.
Collaborative partnerships to advance the SDGs
In addition to partnering within the network to deliver trainings, collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and international organizations is key for sharing knowledge and resources. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) allow countries to scale their digital transformation efforts by leveraging expertise and technology from the private sector. An excellent example of GVG’s collaboration accelerating technological progress can be found in Uganda. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) partnered with GVG to implement a real-time monitoring system that significantly improved transparency and efficiency in the country’s telecom sector. This collaboration has allowed the UCC to monitor telecom traffic in real-time, providing critical insights into voice and data traffic, as well as mobile money transactions.
One tangible result of this partnership is the UCC’s ability to accurately track telecom revenue and detect fraud, which had previously been a major issue. This capability led to a substantial increase in tax revenue, as all telecom-related transactions became traceable and auditable, helping the government prevent revenue leakages. Moreover, the system enhanced regulatory compliance and provided greater oversight of mobile money services, an area crucial for financial inclusion in Uganda, where mobile money transactions contribute significantly to the economy. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has also been witness to the benefits of having an ecosystem in place that enables predictive analysis and ensures that declarations are done ahead of time.
Through these partnerships, stakeholders can align their goals and mobilize additional resources necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By applying transformative data to challenges ranging from improving financial systems to enhancing public services, these collaborations foster innovation and help emerging economies realize the full potential of their data capabilities.
Viewing data as a catalyst for growth
Data has become a central pillar of economic growth and societal transformation. When used effectively, data opens up new avenues for innovation, optimizes resource allocation, and improves governance. Transformative data enables governments and organizations to design evidence-based policies that drive both economic growth and equitable development.
The role of transformative data in building a prosperous future cannot be overstated. With the right combination of capability building, technological enhancement, and collaborative partnerships, governments and organizations can unlock data’s full potential to drive long-term growth, foster innovation, and achieve the SDGs. By harnessing data’s power, we can shape a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
