The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, together with Statistics Sierra Leone, have participated in 10-day capacity-building training on data anonymization which is part of the global 50×2030 Initiative, and Food and Agriculture Organization.

The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of participants from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Sierra Leone in handling sensitive data appropriately.

Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the initiative aims to strengthen the country’s data governance system. The goal is to strengthen local capacity to protect privacy, anonymize data, and promote open access to insensitive information for better choices in education, health and agriculture.

The training is in line with the country’s objective to open data and accountable sharing of microdata for national development. It intends to empower participants by providing them with awareness of best practices and ethical principles, allowing them to use data better in policymaking and research.

The 50×2030 Initiative is part of a larger global initiative to strengthen data systems in developing countries. Sierra Leone is establishing itself as an international leading country in transparent governance of data, by improving data privacy and accessibility, which will help meet the Sustainable Development Goals.