DATA IS POWER: Afrobarometer Offers Key Insights to Pan-African Parliament on Africa’s Security Crisis

MIDRAND, JOHANNESBURG – As the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) debated the critical issue of Peace and Security in Africa this Friday, a crucial intervention was made by Nyasha Mpani, Project Leader for the Data for Governance Alliance Project at Afrobarometer. Mapani emphasized that high-quality, localized data should be the foundational tool for tackling conflicts across the continent. Addressing PAP legislators during the Sixth Ordinary Session, Mpani highlighted that the debate directly aligns with the institution’s core work on Threats and Vulnerability—the very area he heads.

He asserted that the wealth of data generated by Afrobarometer can be instrumental in shifting discussions from theoretical arguments to informed decision-making. Mpani stressed the necessity of integrating this information into major diplomatic efforts. He pointed out that the data Afrobarometer collects can significantly assist the AU-EU Partnership in developing targeted strategies for peace and security, especially in specific, volatile regions.

“Much of the data that we generate can assist the AU-EU Partnership in making informed decisions in dealing with peace and security in Africa,” Mpani told the Parliament. He firmly advocated for the use of data as a strategic tool when the two legislative bodies—the Pan-African Parliament and the EU Parliament—engage. The message to the PAP was clear: Data is not just statistics; it is the essential lens for effective conflict resolution and security planning.