Many African organisations have invested heavily in analytics platforms, reporting tools and dashboards, yet still struggle to become truly data-driven. The gap is rarely about technology. It is about culture, habits and incentives.
A data-driven culture is one in which people at all levels use data to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and inform decisions. This requires that data be accessible, understandable and trusted. It also requires leaders who consistently model the behaviour they expect from others.
Practical steps include standardising key metrics, reducing the number of disconnected spreadsheets, and building simple self-service tools for non-technical staff. Training in data literacyāhow to interpret charts, question sources, and spot misleading patternsāhelps employees gain confidence.
Crucially, organisations must align performance management and recognition with data-informed behaviours. When teams see that good analysis is valued, they are more likely to adopt it. Over time, this creates a virtuous cycle in which better questions lead to better insights, which lead to better outcomes.