Code for Africa (CfA)
Introduction to Code for Africa
Code for Africa (CfA) is a prominent non-profit and civic technology organization that harnesses the power of data and technology to promote transparency, accountability, and journalistic innovation across Africa. Since its inception in 2012, CfA has played a pivotal role in leveraging data-driven solutions to tackle challenges faced by governments, media, and civil society across the continent. Its primary focus is on fostering open data, building digital tools, and training local communities in using these tools to drive social change.
Website: Code for Africa
What is Code for Africa?
CfA is a pan-African federation of civic technology and data journalism labs that empower media, government, and civil society organizations to improve governance and social justice. It is the continent’s largest independent open-data and civic tech initiative. With operations in over 20 African countries, CfA specializes in the development of cutting-edge solutions and resources to combat societal challenges, providing citizens with reliable, open-source data, tools, and information.
Key Focus Areas of CfA
1. Civic Tech
One of CfA’s primary areas of impact is the development and implementation of civic technology tools. These tools empower citizens, journalists, and activists to better understand, access, and use public data to hold governments accountable. Some of the flagship projects include:
- PesaCheck: Africa’s largest indigenous fact-checking initiative that combats misinformation and promotes factual accuracy. Learn more about PesaCheck.
- WanaData: A network of African women data scientists and journalists who create content that advances gender equity and innovation in the newsroom. Discover more on WanaData.
- ANCIR: The African Network of Centres for Investigative Reporting, which helps journalists collaborate on cross-border investigations. Explore ANCIR’s work.
2. Data Journalism
Code for Africa is at the forefront of promoting data-driven journalism, with its teams actively training journalists in data skills. The aim is to build resilient and informed societies that can sift through data, discover trends, and report them effectively. Key initiatives include:
- StoryLab Academy: Offers training courses and resources for journalists on using data in storytelling. Visit StoryLab Academy.
- iLAB: A forensic data initiative that investigates disinformation and conducts extensive research on harmful online content. Read more about iLAB.
3. Open Data & Digital Rights
Code for Africa supports open data initiatives across the continent, advocating for free and unrestricted access to data that can be used for the public good. It also works with civil society and governments to promote digital rights and protect users from surveillance and censorship.
- African Data Hub: A platform that provides access to key data for understanding social, economic, and health issues in Africa. Explore the African Data Hub.
- TaxClock: An innovative tool that shows citizens how much time they work to pay taxes, enhancing transparency in public spending. Discover TaxClock.
Regional Hubs and Operations
Code for Africa operates in several key regional hubs across the continent, enabling it to localize its services and ensure maximum impact. These hubs serve as the base of operations for various projects, training programs, and partnerships.
- East Africa Hub: Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this hub serves East African countries with a strong focus on civic technology and data journalism training.
- West Africa Hub: Located in Abuja, Nigeria, the West Africa hub primarily focuses on media innovation and fact-checking projects.
- Southern Africa Hub: With operations in South Africa, the Southern Africa hub has developed numerous tools aimed at strengthening civil society and promoting good governance.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Code for Africa collaborates with a wide range of global and regional partners to amplify its impact. These collaborations include governments, civil society organizations, research institutions, and international agencies. Some of its key partnerships include:
- International Center for Journalists (ICFJ): ICFJ partners with CfA to offer grants and mentorship for African journalists working on investigative projects. Learn more about ICFJ.
- Google News Initiative: CfA works with Google News Initiative to provide data journalism training and tools for African newsrooms. Find out more about Google News Initiative.
- World Bank: The World Bank collaborates with CfA on various open-data and governance initiatives, ensuring that communities have access to the data they need for accountability. Visit World Bank’s Open Data Initiatives.
Major Achievements
1. PesaCheck’s Success
PesaCheck, a key project under CfA, has gained immense recognition for its work in countering misinformation. As Africa’s first fact-checking initiative, it has led to the debunking of thousands of viral hoaxes and political falsehoods in the media.
2. Training Over 50,000 Journalists
Through its various initiatives and partnerships, CfA has trained over 50,000 journalists in data literacy, investigative techniques, and fact-checking. This training has contributed to the production of more accurate and impactful news stories across Africa.
3. Launch of African Drone Network
In 2017, CfA launched the African Drone Network to explore how drone technology can be used for humanitarian purposes, such as disaster response and agricultural mapping.
Funding and Sustainability
Code for Africa relies on grants and contributions from both private foundations and public entities. It has received significant support from organizations such as:
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Provides funding for CfA’s efforts in health data and fact-checking.
- Open Society Foundations: Supports initiatives promoting media freedom, transparency, and civic participation in Africa.
CfA also offers a range of services, including research, data visualization, and custom tool development, allowing it to generate income and sustain its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the primary objective of Code for Africa?
The primary objective of Code for Africa is to promote transparency, accountability, and governance through the use of data-driven technology and journalism. It seeks to empower citizens, civil society organizations, and governments by providing them with tools and data that can be used to solve societal challenges.
How does Code for Africa support journalists?
CfA supports journalists by offering training programs, tools, and resources that help them to utilize data effectively in their storytelling. This includes workshops on investigative reporting, fact-checking, and using technology to create impactful stories. CfA has trained over 50,000 journalists across the continent.
Is Code for Africa only focused on data journalism?
While data journalism is one of its primary areas of focus, Code for Africa also works on civic technology, digital rights, open data, and disinformation research. Its goal is to use data and technology to create an informed and active citizenry.
Which African countries does Code for Africa operate in?
Code for Africa operates in over 20 African countries, with regional hubs in East Africa (Kenya), West Africa (Nigeria), and Southern Africa (South Africa). Its reach extends across much of the continent through its various projects and collaborations.
How is Code for Africa funded?
CfA is funded through grants from foundations, international organizations, and public donors. Some of its key funders include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and Google News Initiative.
What tools does Code for Africa offer?
Code for Africa offers a wide range of tools aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. Some of its most notable tools include PesaCheck (fact-checking), TaxClock (public spending transparency), and the African Data Hub (open data access).
Can I collaborate with Code for Africa?
Yes, CfA frequently collaborates with journalists, civic organizations, government agencies, and international institutions. Partnerships are encouraged, and those interested in collaborating can contact CfA via their website or through specific program pages like ANCIR and PesaCheck.
Where can I learn more about Code for Africa’s initiatives?
To learn more about CfA’s initiatives, you can explore their official website or visit specific project pages such as PesaCheck, iLAB, or StoryLab Academy, all accessible through CfA’s site.