By Sara Camara
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Monrovia City Government has officially launched a new strategic partnership with the Amali Data Programme (ADP), marking a significant step towards leveraging data for comprehensive urban development and service delivery improvements. The collaboration was formalized with the recent welcome of two key ADP officials, Dr. Chukwuma Okolie, ADP City Data Advisor, and Mawande Ngidi, ADP Lead, to the Liberian capital.
Speaking on behalf of Lord Mayor John Charuk Saah Siafa, who is currently on an official visit abroad, the City Manager of Monrovia, Jones N. Williams, of the City Government underscored the paramount importance of data in modern governance. “Data is crucial for informed decision-making, problem-solving, and gaining a competitive edge in various fields, from business to research,” the statement read, adding that it “provides insights into trends, patterns, and relationships that can guide strategies, improve efficiency, and foster innovation.”
The partnership is deeply rooted in Mayor Siafa’s vision for a data-centric Monrovia. The Mayor firmly believes in the appropriate use of data to “bring together our communities, the private sector, donor entities, and affiliate government institutions within the city of Monrovia.” A primary goal emanating from this data-driven approach is to undertake transformative initiatives aimed at making Monrovia the “cleanest city in the Mano River Union Subregion.”
The City Government outlined several ambitious targets it aims to achieve within the next two years through this collaboration:
- Sanitation Transformation:Â Increasing daily collection and disposal of waste from a current 28% to an impressive 99%.
- Job Creation:Â Generating 10,000 good jobs for young people.
- Youth Education Support:Â Directly supporting the education of an additional 5,000 youths.
- Tourism Boost:Â Tripling tourist visits to the city.
The Amali Data Programme is known for its mission to support African mayors in utilizing data to enhance decision-making and improve service delivery within their respective cities. The programme offers vital technical assistance, access to expert knowledge, and practical tools to empower city leaders and administrations in leveraging data to achieve their legacy goals and effectively address pressing urban challenges.
The ADP’s approach emphasizes building data-driven cities that enhance service delivery, program effectiveness, and resident outcomes, focusing on several key pillars:
- Mayoral Leadership:Â Empowering mayors to champion data initiatives.
- Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:Â Providing hands-on support and training to city staff.
- Data-Driven Decision Making:Â Fostering a culture where decisions are based on evidence.
- Supporting Legacy Goals:Â Assisting mayors in achieving their long-term transformative visions for their cities.
- Data Reporting and Performance Management:Â Establishing robust systems for tracking progress and ensuring accountability.
- Fostering Data-Driven Cities:Â Cultivating an environment where data is integrated across all municipal operations.
“We are pleased to associate and partner with the Amali Data Programme,” City Manager Williams concluded, expressing gratitude and extending a warm welcome to the Amali officials on behalf of the Mayor. The collaboration signals a renewed commitment by the Monrovia City Government to innovate and transform the city through strategic data utilization, aspiring to create a cleaner, more prosperous, and opportunity-rich environment for its citizens.
