Foundations of Data Governance

Data governance provides the framework for how organizations manage data as a strategic asset. Learn essential principles and practices that enable effective data management, ensuring data quality, security, and value creation across your organization.

Who is this course for?

Policy makers, government officials, and public sector professionals involved in digital transformation initiatives, data management, and data policy development in African nations.

What will you learn?

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Correctly identify at least three key components of effective data governance frameworks and explain their relevance to African contexts within a written assessment.
• Compare and contrast at least two international data governance frameworks, highlighting specific elements that could be adapted to their national context within four weeks of course completion.
• Develop a draft implementation plan with measurable milestones for establishing data governance practices within their organization over a six-month period.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate the value of data as an organizational asset by presenting at least three specific ways data governance supports national development goals.
• Identify and assign appropriate roles and responsibilities for a data governance team structure suitable for their organizational context by the conclusion of the course.

How much time do you need to invest?

The whole course will take you about 140 minutes to complete.

Topics overview:

• Introduction to Data Governance: Key concepts, terminology, and foundational principles
• Data Governance Frameworks: Overview of African Union Data Policy Framework, OECD guidelines, and other international frameworks
• Adapting Frameworks to Local Context: Strategies for customizing international best practices to national priorities
• Data as an Organizational Asset: Understanding how data drives decision-making and creates value
• Roles and Responsibilities: Key stakeholders and their functions in data governance
• Implementation Strategies: Practical approaches to establishing data governance in the public sector
• Case Studies: Success stories from Rwanda and other African nations
• Measuring Success: Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of data governance initiatives

Course Certificate:

A certificate will be generated upon completing all course modules and evaluations.

Course Providers:

Data Governance in Africa Initiative, supported by the African Union, European Union, and implementing partners under the EU Global Gateway Strategy.

Portions of this course were developed with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including Synthesia, utilized between 7 May and 9 August 2025. These tools were employed to assist in the generation and design of instructional videos. All materials underwent thorough review and editing by Digital Nation to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with the intended learning outcomes.

License: CC-BY-SA

Date of publication: December 3, 2025