Afrobarometer Equips Civil Society and Journalists to Harness Data for Impactful Advocacy and Reporting

By Bheki Dlamini

As participants gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, for Afrobarometer’s five-day workshop, one moment stood out: a journalist from Malawi shared a personal story of how misleading data had previously skewed public opinion in her community, illustrating the pressing need for accurate and transparent data use. Afrobarometer recently concluded this intensive session where civil society groups and journalists from Eastern and Southern Africa learned how to harness public opinion data for advocacy and reporting.

The training brought together 21 CSO representatives and many journalists who wanted to improve their data skills and better understand the experiences of African citizens.

Participants learned hands-on skills in online data analysis, reading surveys, and making clear data visuals. They discovered how raw numbers could unravel stories of real-world impact. For instance, a participant shared how they initially saw dry statistics on public health but, through the training, transformed these into a story revealing the urgent need for better healthcare access. By turning numerical insights into compelling narratives, they are now better equipped to create stronger policy discussions and more engaging news stories.

Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer’s Capacity Building Manager, highlighted the unique position of CSOs. “They stand at the frontline of amplifying citizen voices on governance, economic, and social concerns. With Afrobarometer’s data, reflecting nearly three decades of survey insights, civil society can influence meaningful policy debates at national and subnational levels,” Dryding said.

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A noteworthy example of this influence is the impactful advocacy by the Democracy Watch NGO in Ghana. Empowered by Afrobarometer data, they successfully advocated for increased budget allocation to education in 2020. The survey data highlighted acute disparities in education access, which bolstered their position in policy dialogues, ultimately leading to a government commitment to address these gaps. This case underscores how data-driven insights can lead to tangible policy wins and inspire similar efforts across the continent.

Solomon Ngoma, Executive Director of Zambia’s Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC), praised the workshop’s practical benefits. “This training is a game-changer. It equips us with the competencies to embed data-driven insights into our policy analysis, enhancing effectiveness and impact.”

Journalists also appreciated learning how to turn complex data into clear, powerful stories for the public.

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Using Afrobarometer’s surveys in their reporting helps journalists highlight what citizens think, hold leaders accountable, and back up their stories with solid evidence.

Firaul Hailu, a reporter from Ethiopia’s Asham TV, commented, “Returning home, I carry a transformed perspective on Afrobarometer’s data. Its vast, longitudinal scope is now a vital resource for my news analysis.”

Similarly, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation’s news editor, Salome Baptister Kilasi, noted, “Learning to extract and visualise data from Afrobarometer’s online platform revolutionises how we present news. This credibility boost is exactly what our audience values.”

Afrobarometer’s training comes at a pivotal time when data-driven advocacy and journalism are crucial in shaping responsive governance amid Africa’s evolving political landscape. With enhanced capacity, CSOs and media can more effectively amplify citizen concerns, foster transparency, and contribute to a more informed and engaged public.

As Afrobarometer continues to champion citizen-centered data use, workshops like this underscore the continent’s growing commitment to turning information into influence and voices into change.