Global Data Barometer

The Barometer confirms a positive correlation between governance and data availability, but also reveals a significant implementation gap- particularly in countries with weaker competencies.

Without foundational digital infrastructure, skilled public officials, and robust institutions, even well-designed governance frameworks remain aspirational. Advanced data skills (e.g. AI, data analysis) and sustained training efforts are lacking in both regions.

While AI is increasingly part of national development strategies, most data governance frameworks still lack explicit guidance on the use of data for AI development. Few training programs address AI ethics or algorithmic decision-making, and data-sharing frameworks rarely integrate AI-specific concerns.

Many countries have open data frameworks in place which are falling short in terms of technical implementation, capacity-building, and sustained support. This threatens the sustainability and impact of open data programs.

Lobbying registers are nearly absent, beneficial ownership data is rarely public, and political finance data is inconsistently published. Fragmented datasets prevent the effective tracking of money, power, and influence.

Commitments to inclusion (e.g., for persons with disabilities or linguistic minorities) are rarely translated into practice. Accessibility is not commonly treated as a legal obligation, and data is rarely published in indigenous or widely spoken non-official languages.

Very few countries show evidence of interoperable datasets across political integrity, procurement, and company data. Without common identifiers and standards, efforts to follow data trails across domains are hindered, weakening transparency and anti-corruption efforts.

Findings for LAC generally indicate stronger institutional capacity and better-developed digital infrastructures, but many initiatives risk stagnation due to limited cross-agency coordination and declining government-led support.

Africa demonstrates significant advancement on policy and regulatory frameworks, especially in data protection laws, but continues to face serious implementation challenges due to weak infrastructures, limited interoperability, and gaps in institutional capacity.