Kenya wins Bid to host the International Open Data Conference - QUICK NEWS AFRICA
The International Open Data Conference, a premier global gathering for accelerating open data collaboration, is set to host its sixth edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2020. This marks the first time the event will be held in Africa, signifying a major shift in the geographic focus of global open data leadership. The decision recognizes Kenya’s consistent high-level political commitment to fostering an inclusive data ecosystem that engages government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders. Kenya earned the hosting rights by demonstrating significant progress in data diplomacy and infrastructure, including partnerships with major international organizations and free access to critical satellite data for several African nations. The conference theme, “Bridging Data Communities,” aligns with global milestones such as the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to leverage technology and innovation to address persistent socioeconomic challenges. The event expects participation from thousands of attendees and numerous tech companies, highlighting Africa’s readiness to play a leading role in the global data landscape. This development is highly relevant to open data as it underscores the continent’s growing capacity to manage and utilize data for development. By bringing global champions together in Nairobi, the conference will facilitate South-South collaboration and showcase how African nations are harnessing data to drive economic and social progress. It signals a move toward a more decentralized and diverse open data movement, emphasizing that data governance is a strategic economic choice essential for leaving no one behind.
Source: quicknews-africa.netPublished on 2026-08-29