Togo leverages data science lab to foster innovation and combat poverty

After developing a basic data infrastructure and training Lab members on MOSAIKS, the Data Lab will explore use cases that integrate data-driven insights into policy making and service delivery. Image/ Courtesy

As the global landscape evolves at a breakneck speed, many low-income countries find themselves struggling to harness the power of artificial intelligence and data science. A new initiative in Togo seeks to bridge this gap.

The Government of Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation (MoDET) has partnered with the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, to launch the Togo Data Lab.

This project aims to train local data scientists in advanced tools and technologies, embedding them within the national government to enhance policy-making. By equipping MoDET with expertise, skills, and resources, the Data Lab aspires to create a sustainable model for integrating data science into public service delivery.

Cina Lawson, Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential.

“In the last decade, Togo has made significant strides in internet access and mobile technology,” she noted. “Our goal is to position Togo as a leader in publicly-led data science innovation by 2030, and the Data Lab is essential to achieving that vision.”

The Data Lab builds on a successful collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, where innovative data solutions like call detail records and satellite imagery helped extend Togo’s cash transfer program, Novissi, to vulnerable populations.

According to Carson Christiano, Executive Director of CEGA, “Novissi was a catalyst that demonstrated how big data could deliver timely and equitable support.”

In its inaugural year, the Data Lab will implement MOSAIKS, a user-friendly tool designed to streamline the analysis of satellite data through machine learning.

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This initiative aims to democratize access to data science, enabling Togo to make informed policy decisions. “It’s also a great example of how CEGA collaborates with in-country partners to improve lives by realizing the full potential of new data science tools,” added Christiano.

The first use case will focus on agriculture, integrating MOSAIKS to improve productivity and policy for rural communities. Future applications are expected to address critical areas such as electrical grid expansion, clean water access, and deforestation monitoring—essential priorities for Togo’s development.

Brian Okinda