In an increasingly data-driven world, Africa's youth must lead the continent's transformational growth. Young statisticians are key in harnessing the power of data through innovation for informed decision-making, and sustainable development.
The theme for the Takwimu YAS side event is “Empowering Young African Statisticians: Driving Innovation for Data-Driven Development in Africa.”It focuses on the importance of equipping the current and next generation of young African statisticians with essential skills and tools for agility and resilience to thrive in a rapidly evolving data ecosystem. Furthermore, it is critical that the unique role young African statisticians have to play in shaping the future of Africa's statistical system by applying innovative methods and technologies to solve local challenges is recognised.
During the side event, the leadership of the Takwimu YAS programme will present two flagship products in the framework of the programme’s strategic objectives. Presentations will be delivered on the guidelines for establishing a Takwimu YAS programme at the national level, and the mentorship programme of the Takwimu programme will be launched in an effort to guide and empower the next generation of statistical and data practitioners across the continent.
The Takwimu YAS will also have the opportunity to benefit from the wealth of wisdom shared by high profile statistical elders in the context of the side event’s theme.
In addition, young statisticians from selected African countries at the forefront of utilising data for development in an innovative manner will share their experiences, innovations, and contributions in using data to respond and solve real life data challenges to inform policy decisions, and monitor progress towards national, continental and global agendas.
Objective:
The primary objective of the event is to explore practical innovative ways through which the Takwimu young African statisticians programme are driving statistical development to promote evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development in Africa.
Specifically, the session will:
- Present guidelines for establishing a Takwimu young African statisticians programme at the national level.
- Present the flagship mentorship programme of the Takwimu YAS programme.
- Discuss the proposed recommendations from the Takwimu YAS for consideration by the 9th session of the Statistical Commission for Africa
- Feature the work of Takwimu young statisticians that are leading data-driven initiatives in their countries; and
- Interact with statistical elders