Pollicy functions at the intersection of data, technology and design to improve government service delivery.
Why Data and Tech
Lag
Despite significant advances in the use of data globally, many countries across Africa are still lagging behind in harnessing data for social good.
Domination
Against this backdrop, many large and foreign technology companies have been able to dominate African markets through sophisticated technology and by taking advantage of weak regulatory environments. In some instances, in a bid to regain control, authoritarian African governments have begun to clamp down on digital platforms, in turn, impacting freedom of expression, digital inclusion, as well as access to information and markets.
Empower
Data has the ability to empower activists, civil society, private sector and governments to make better decisions and to promote social justice. There is an urgent need for an increased uptake in responsible and ethical use of data to solve some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Our Priorities
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Improve data literacy amongst different stakeholders
Through our training, workshops, events and engagements, we want to increase the collection, production and use of data among a wide range of stakeholders, especially those who may lack the resources and funding to acquire these skills through other avenues.
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Promote uptake and use of data by civil society and government partners for decision making and policy planning
We want more nonprofits and government agencies using responsible data for decision making to improve the lives of the people they serve.
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Foster conversations around responsible and ethical data use
Technology is advancing rapidly and we want African countries to be at the forefront of exploring the pros and cons of how data can and will change our lives in the coming years
Our Annual Reports
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Fuelling accountability and transparency
Read about our impact over the years through our different Annual Report. Learn about how we are conducting interventions through which Africans can take back control of their data and reimagine new ways of tech ownership.
Our Story
Pollicy is a portmanteau that stems from Opinion polling and Policy making. Pollicy was founded and registered in 2016 with a mandate to redesign service delivery for citizens.
The beginning
Pollicy is a portmanteau n acronym that stems from Opinion polling and Policymaking. Pollicy was founded and registered in 2016 with a mandate to redesign service delivery for citizens. By functioning at the intersection of Data, Design, and Technology, Pollicy is improving how citizens interact with governments.
First ever DataFest
Our first event Data Fest was first held in 2019 bringing together hundreds of data enthusiasts including Academia, Civil Society, Bloggers, Technologists, and Data Scientists from across the region and the world.
Our First projects
Pollicy first started working on independent projects on the use of open data and in building data literacy. Pollicy has since grown to work with some of the biggest funders and partners including Facebook, HIVOS, Mozilla,GIZ and Omidyar Network which have helped sharpen our idea of building a culture around data and technology.
Monthly Data MeetUps
In 2018 we launched our maiden programs including Data Club and Data Ladies which offered networking opportunities to young and mid career professionals and data enthusiasts to learn and grow in the space.
New Premises
In 2018, we moved our offices from a co-working space to a much bigger space that houses our offices, civic tech lab, and an events space.
Bigger Team!
In 2019, our team tripled to over 15 employees working locally from Kampala, Uganda, and remotely across the region as well as a budding fellowship program that intakes 3 fellows annually in different fields of data. We have since onboarded 10 fellows many of which have been retained to the team.
A Bigger DataFest
In April 2021, we hosted the second DataFest under which featured a Hackathon on air quality. Over 30 physical and virtual sessions were held with close to 15 local and international partners.
Forbes 30 under 30
Featuring in Forbes: Our Founder and Executive director featured in the Forbes Africa for driving feminist data for change. Pollicy has also featured in many media publications including CNN, Thomas Reuters foundation news, Africa News 24, NTV, Daily Monitor, and many more.
100 projects. 200 Data events. 5000 people
To date Pollicy through its many data, design, and tech programs has since worked on over 100 projects, conducting over 200 data events, training close to 5000 people.
Pollicy Partners
