The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service, hosted a vibrant three-day learning and showcase workshop in Accra, Ghana, from May 27–29, 2025. Centered on the theme "Data narratives for climate and health in Africa: Maximizing impact with data", the event brought together data scientists, public health experts, statisticians, and policymakers from across the continent to explore how storytelling and visual communication can accelerate progress in climate and health responses.
The workshop was part of the Africa Climate and Health Data Capacity Accelerator Network (CAN), a joint initiative by the Global Partnership and data.org, with support from Wellcome Trust. The goal was to build a strong, networked community of African professionals equipped to harness data for evidence-based decision-making in climate and health.
Hands-on learning and practical tools
Participants engaged in hands-on training delivered by OpenUp, focusing on user-centered design, data acquisition tools, and techniques for selecting effective visualizations. Practical group challenges offered space to apply these skills, culminating in a high-energy pitch session where teams presented visual data stories designed to influence real-world policy.
Showcasing CAN fellows’ impact
One of the workshop highlights was a showcase by the CAN cohort two fellows. Emerging professionals from countries including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, and Guinea presented their projects, ranging from modeling climate-linked disease patterns to strengthening local data ecosystems for community health interventions. Their presentations underscored the growing capacity and innovation across Africa’s data-for-development space.
Strengthening collaboration and communication
Throughout the three days, discussions tackled real barriers to data use from gaps in access to trusted data to the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration. By weaving together technical learning with practical application and community building, the workshop created a space for participants to reflect, co-create, and strategize around shared challenges and opportunities.
We designed this workshop not just to transfer skills, but to shape a culture where data doesn’t sit in dashboards, but moves people to act.
Linet Kwamboka, Senior Manager, Innovation for Business Development at the Global Partnership
Learn more about the Capacity Accelerator Network and its work across Africa here.
