10th Session of the UN-GGIM Regional Committee for Africa Convenes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The 10th Session of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) for Africa convened from October 28 to November 1 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The theme, “Harnessing the Potential of Geospatial Intelligence for a Disaster-Resilient Africa,” underscores the continent’s drive to leverage geospatial data for disaster resilience and sustainable development, contributing to the broader aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The session investigated how African countries can leverage geospatial data and intelligence to prepare for and respond to natural and human-induced disasters. Therefore, the session emphasised the effectiveness of using data to support emergency response and planning efforts, improve land use management, and promote resilience in vulnerable areas. In addition, the session provided an important opportunity for member states to review their progress on the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), which aims to enhance the value of geospatial information in decision-making processes, especially in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, represented by Clinton Heimann and Maroale Mimi Martha Chauke, chaired the session, with Fernand Isseri as Vice Chair. Andre Nonguierma, the Chief of the Geospatial Information Management Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, led the UN-GGIM Africa Secretariat with support from Godheart Ayenika and Aster Denekew. Clinton Heimann and Kenneth Garcia of StatCom Africa co-chaired a notable segment on the intersection of geospatial and statistical data, leading discussions to enhance data integration and application for regional needs.
Clinton Heimann and Kenneth Garcia from StatCom Africa co-chaired a joint segment on geospatial and statistical integration, underscoring ongoing efforts to unify statistical and geospatial information systems under the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF). Furthermore, this collaborative process was presented as essential to creating comprehensive data ecosystems capable of supporting targeted policy-making across sectors, from public health and infrastructure planning to climate change mitigation and natural resource management. Similarly, by aligning statistical and geospatial data, African countries aim to improve the precision and relevance of national data systems to address complex socio-economic challenges more effectively.
Throughout the week, representatives discussed a range of themes related to geospatial intelligence applications, including the challenges of creating interoperable data infrastructures, promoting geospatial data literacy, and advancing cross-border data-sharing practices. In addition, leaders emphasised that addressing these issues is crucial for advancing the IGIF goals, highlighting the importance of capacity-building, policy coherence, and technical innovation across the continent.