The Director General of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), Richard Ngafuan, has raised concerns about the inadequate use of global innovative technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), for statistical data collection in West Africa. Speaking at a training session in Monrovia, Ngafuan emphasized that AI could have a significant impact on statistical data collection, either positively or negatively. He called for improved statistical data collection to inform policy decisions that benefit citizens in the region.
The training session, which is being attended by managers and national statistical systems of ECOWAS member states, aims to enhance the capacity of participants in leadership and statistical management. Ngafuan stressed that developing the capacity of national statisticians and managers in global technological innovations is crucial in the statistical space. He highlighted the need for adequate training to harness AI and other innovations to improve data collection.
Ngafuan commended ECOWAS for its support to Liberia, which has enhanced the country's statistical capacity. He noted that ECOWAS has contributed significantly to Liberia's human resource capacity building. The training session is covering various topics, including leadership in national statistical systems, strategic leadership, governance, and statistical quality.
The training also focuses on digital transformation, introduction to AI and machine learning, and applications for data collection, processing, and dissemination. Participants will also learn about ethics, governance, and risks related to AI, as well as communications and the valorization of statistics. The session is organized and hosted by ECOWAS Regional Statistics System and LISGIS.
Ngafuan disclosed that Liberia's report within the framework of the regional economic outlook focuses on food security and other statistical data that can inform policy decisions. He expressed hope that the training will equip participants with knowledge on regional transformation using AI. The training is expected to enhance the capacity of participants to make informed decisions.
The use of AI and other global technologies for data collection can help policymakers transform Liberia and the region, according to Ngafuan. He emphasized that adequate training is necessary for stakeholders in the sector to harness these innovations. The training session is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of national statisticians and managers in the region.
The Leadership and Statistical Management Training for Managers for National Statistical Systems of ECOWAS member states is a week-long event that aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to lead and manage statistical systems effectively. The training is expected to have a positive impact on statistical data collection and policy decision-making in the region.
Key points
- - The Director General of LISGIS, Richard Ngafuan, cautions against the inadequate use of AI in data collection. - The training session aims to enhance the capacity of national statisticians and managers in leadership and statistical management. - The use of AI and other global technologies can help policymakers transform Liberia and the region if adequate training is provided.
