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Technologies and Big Data in Shaping African Public Services

April 13, 2021
Related topics: 
Africa
Economy
Sectorial policies and structural transformation

Technologies and Big Data in Shaping African Public Services: Towards Efficient Digital Solutions for Africa Social Good Can technology and digitalization improve and enhance the value we get from public services? Data can change the experience that individuals get from a public service across all its characteristics (e.g., policy design, implementation, customization and so on). The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that technology has the potential to solve some of the most pressing challenges that impact Africa and drive growth and development in core sectors (health, agriculture, education and financial services). The purpose of this joint panel is to shed the light on the opportunities and the challenges of using technology and data in shaping public services. To this end, the discussion will be structured around following points: How governments are delivering better public services to citizens using cloud-based technology? Digital technology is now an integrated part of government modernization strategies to create public value. The potential and the challenges of digital transformation in Africa and its impact on governance Does digital transformation represent a leapfrog opportunity for Africa? 14:00 – 14:05 Introduction to the panel Akram Zaoui, International Relations Specialist, Policy Center for the New South 14:10 – 14:45 Debate: Digital Transformation from a Northern Perspective Alex Holmes, Senior Manager Government Transformation, Amazon Web Services Digital Transformation from a Southern Perspective Amir Abdul Reda, Assistant Professor in Computational Political Science, Mohammed 6 Polytechnic University 14:00 – 15:10 Q&A

Speakers
Akram Zaoui
Chargé de Mission to the Executive President
Akram Zaoui is a Senior Specialist and Chargé de Mission to the Executive President at the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS). Prior to this, he was Manager of Research Support and the Public Policy Lab at the PCNS. His main area of research interest is the geopolitical economy of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. From 2018 to 2020, Zaoui coordinated a network of 70+ civil society organizations (CSOs), working with local communities, public authorities, and private companies. His responsibilities included managing administrative and financial affairs, communications, development, fundraising, operations, and strategic planning. Zaoui holds degrees from HEC Paris and Sciences Po, as well as a bachelor's degree (licence) in history from Université Paris 1 Pa ...
Alex Holmes
Senior Manager Government Transformation, Amazon Web Services
...
Amir Abdul Reda
Professeur assistant à l’Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique
...

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