Data to populate the ADP will be gathered in two key ways:
- Aggregation of existing data: Secondary data already available from other sources (e.g. World Bank, charity impact reports, etc.) will be collated into a single database, making it more easily accessible.
- Primary research by NIAS: NIAS research associates will undertake independent research to verify and supplement the secondary data gathered from other sources. This will include collecting feedback directly from the recipients of UK development funding and private investment.
The four categories of data in the ADP
- Development: Information on development projects implemented within Africa by UK individuals or institutions
This data will allow development agencies and other stakeholders to avoid duplicating unsuccessful projects , and will showcase instances of best practice to be used as an example for the future.
- Investment: Data on previous investments made by businesses and corporations
With access to greater information, UK investor confidence in African markets can be significantly increased. More private investment in Africa is vital for a diversified economy. By spotlighting investments in sectors outside of traditional resource based industries like oil and gas , the ADP will be instrumental in developing new trading relationships and thus creating sustainable livelihoods for African people.
- Governance: Information on national and regional governments
This will provide database users with an understanding of the wider context within which they are operating, and the influence this could have on their proposed projects. Overtime, the ADP will include information on local governance structures which are currently largely undocumented, and which could impact on the success of planned projects.
- NIAS commentary and analysis
Data alone does not speak for itself. To ensure that the database has an impact on the way in which development is practised in Africa, an analysis and commentary of the projects and investments must also be included.
Detailed commentary and comparative analyses will then allow database users to see not only what has gone before, but also what was done well and what could have been done differently. In this way, the development community and potential investors can learn from the successes and failures of the past.
Analysis of past projects and investments will be evaluated and ranked against a NIAS approved standard*. Such ranking will be an incentive for future projects to include sustainability considerations in their approach, as they will themselves become part of the database later.
* The evaluation will incorporate several measures, such as adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.