Liberia LISGIS: Issues AI Data Collection Caution to ECOWAS

• Richard Ngafuan, LISGIS Director General, warned about the inadequate use of AI for statistical data collection in West Africa.
• His caution was delivered at an ECOWAS-LISGIS training for statistical managers in Monrovia on October 5.
• The training covers AI ethics, governance, risks, and digital transformation of statistical systems.
• Ngafuan emphasized the need for capacity building in AI to improve data collection for policy formulation.
• ECOWAS has significantly supported Liberia's statistical capacity, including human resource development.

This Liberia LISGIS AI data collection caution underscores the dual nature of technological advancement.

Richard Ngafuan, the Director General of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), recently issued a significant caution regarding the use of advanced global technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), for statistical data collection across West African nations. Speaking in Monrovia on Monday, October 5, at the commencement of a week-long Leadership and Statistical Management Training for managers from ECOWAS member states' National Statistical Systems, Mr. Ngafuan highlighted that AI's influence on data collection could manifest in both beneficial and detrimental ways.

This Liberia LISGIS AI data collection caution underscores the dual nature of technological advancement. Ngafuan emphasized the critical need to enhance statistical data collection practices to inform policy formulation effectively, ultimately benefiting citizens throughout the region. He stressed that national statisticians and managers must develop their capabilities in global technological innovations relevant to the statistical domain to improve their overall capacity. The world is rapidly evolving, and statistical practices are undeniably impacted by AI innovations, necessitating a proactive approach from National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to bolster staff expertise in harnessing these tools.

The ongoing training program, co-organized by the ECOWAS Regional Statistics System and LISGIS, delves into a comprehensive array of topics crucial for modern statistical management. Key areas of focus include the pivotal role of leadership within national statistical systems, strategic leadership, institutional vision, and the critical interplay between governance and statistical quality. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses ethical leadership and statistical integrity, which are paramount in an era of increasing digital transformation of statistical systems.

Participants are receiving an introduction to AI and machine learning, exploring their applications for data collection, processing, and dissemination. Crucially, the training also covers the ethics, governance, and inherent risks associated with AI, alongside communications strategies and the valorization of statistics. This emphasis on AI ethics data governance Liberia and the broader ECOWAS region reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust frameworks to manage the responsible deployment of advanced technologies in public data management.

Richard Ngafuan of LISGIS acknowledged the immense support provided by ECOWAS, which has significantly enhanced Liberia's capacity for statistical production, including vital human resource development. He recalled ECOWAS's substantial contributions to Liberia's statistical capabilities over time, noting that the organization has been instrumental in training a large portion of LISGIS staff. The current ECOWAS statistical management training is particularly noteworthy as it involves not just technicians, but top managers and heads of statistical bodies, signifying a strategic investment in leadership-level capacity building.

Ngafuan expressed pride in welcoming such senior participants, underscoring the invaluable role of ECOWAS Statistics. He highlighted that while staff have often been sent for training in the past, this particular program marks a significant shift, with key participants themselves being the top leaders. This collaborative effort aims to equip regional statistical leaders with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of digital transformation statistical systems and leverage AI responsibly for national and regional development.

The Director General articulated his belief that the judicious application of AI and other global technologies in data collection holds the potential to transform Liberia and the wider region, provided that adequate training is extended to all relevant stakeholders. He expressed optimism that the current training would empower participants with insights into regional transformation driven by AI advancements. This aligns with Liberia's recent regional economic outlook report, which focuses on critical areas like food security and other statistical data essential for policymakers to drive national progress.

Ultimately, the initiative underscores a commitment to leveraging technological innovation for societal benefit, while simultaneously acknowledging and mitigating the associated risks. The focus on governance, ethics, and risk management within the training program indicates a forward-thinking approach to ensuring data integrity and accountability, which will be crucial for effective policy-making and sustainable development across the ECOWAS member states.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Liberia and the ECOWAS region should monitor the development of guidelines and regulations concerning the ethical and adequate use of AI in data collection, particularly as government bodies like LISGIS emphasize governance and risk management in this area. This indicates a growing focus on data integrity and AI accountability that could impact future compliance requirements for entities handling significant datasets.

Source: Original reporting via FrontPage Africa