UCT hosts inaugural meeting for African data managers

DataFirst hosted the inaugural meeting of the African Association of Statistical Data Archivists from 10 to12 April. (From left): Pali Lehohla of Statistics SA, Prof Melvin Ayogu, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Kizito Kasozi of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and Oliver Dupriez of ADP/IHSN-World Bank

DataFirst, a Survey Data Archive at UCT hosted a three-day inaugural meeting to establish the new African Association of Statistical Data Archivists (AASDA), the first grouping of survey data managers in Africa, from 10 to 12 April.

The AASDA represents those involved in managing survey microdata at national statistical agencies and Survey Data Archives on the continent.

During the meeting, which took place at the university's Graduate School of Business, delegates drew up a constitution for the association, elected an executive committee and discussed a working plan for the future. The AASDA is affiliated to the International Association for Social Science Information Service and Technology, the international association for professionals working with information technology and data services.

The meeting was facilitated by the International Household Survey Network through their Accelerated Data Programme. The programme is funded by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank to promote and improve national surveys in participating countries.