In developing countries, where resources are often limited, the use of evidence in the design and management of public policies is particularly important to ensure that development interventions are effective, efficient and adapted to local needs. To this end, digital technologies and the digital transformation of territories present a revolutionary opportunity to be seized or lost. In French-speaking Africa, more precisely in Benin, many efforts are being made to make digital innovations a fundamental foundation for economic and social development.
In an in-depth literature review, we examined the challenges related to accessing and using evidence in French-speaking Africa in general and in Benin in particular. This allows us to present the problems related to the integration of digital technologies in data collection in remote areas, the quality and reliability of the data collected, the difficulty of storing and managing the data collected and the financial and technological constraints for data analysis and interpretation.
Furthermore, we examine the levers for access to and use of evidence in French-speaking Africa, including the emergence of new digital technologies for data collection and analysis, partnerships between local and national actors to improve access to evidence, public partnership, as well as the promotion of the culture of using evidence to guide decisions.
We also look at the opportunities offered by access to and use of evidence and how this can improve the quality of decision-making in different sectors. We also look at the possibility of implementing evidence-based policies to promote the development of the region, the creation of new types of jobs and the promotion of innovation and scientific research in digitalization, artificial intelligence and others.
We conclude by summarizing the main points discussed, calling for action to improve access to and use of evidence in Francophone Africa, and presenting perspectives for the future.
Acknowledgments : The author(s) is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgments do not imply endorsement of the content. The author is grateful to Siziwe Ngcwabe, the content committee and the Africa Evidence Network team for their guidance in the preparation and finalization of this article as well as their editorial support.
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