Data Value Creation

Transform how your organization views data—not as a byproduct but as a valuable strategic asset. This course provides practical methods to extract meaningful value from your data assets, supporting evidence-based decision making and policy development. You'll learn to identify valuable data sources, understand their unique characteristics, and manage the complete data lifecycle. Through African case studies and hands-on exercises, discover how to leverage data for improved resource allocation, enhanced service delivery, and more informed strategic planning.

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:

• Explain the principles of data value creation and identify data as an asset rather than a byproduct
• Differentiate between various data sources, including open data and restricted data assets
• Recognize domain-specific data characteristics, such as real-time versus statistical trend data
• Apply data lifecycle management concepts to support effective collection and deletion decisions
• Evaluate how data governance practices impact the quality of data available for decision-making
• Develop strategies for using well-governed data to improve resource allocation and service delivery

How much time do you need to invest?

The whole course will take you about 145 minutes to complete.

Topics overview:

• Data Value Creation Fundamentals: Understanding how data transforms from a byproduct to a strategic asset for evidence-based decision making
• Strategic Data Assessment: Methods for evaluating data's potential value and connecting it to organizational goals and frameworks
• Data Source Mapping: Identifying and cataloging different types of data sources available within your sector
• Open vs. Restricted Data: Understanding the differences between freely shareable data and protected data assets
• Domain-Specific Data Characteristics: Analyzing how different domains require different approaches (real-time weather data vs. statistical trends)
• Data Lifecycle Management: Principles and practices for managing data from collection to deletion
• Decision Support Systems: How well-governed data enables better resource allocation and service delivery
• Practical Implementation: Case studies showing successful data value creation in African contexts

Course Modules:

• Data Value Creation 101 (45 minutes)
• Identifying and Evaluating Data Sources (55 minutes)
• Data Lifecycle and Decision-Making (45 minutes)

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