Welcome to the African Union Data Policy Capacity Assessment Tool (AUDP-CAT), designed to support African Union (AU) Member States and associated organizations in their journey towards effective data policy planning and implementation.

The AUDP-CAT, finalized in October 2022, serves as a crucial instrument aligned with the AU Data Policy Framework Implementation/Action Plan (DPFI). This tool enables assessment of both technical and organizational capacities, facilitating a deeper understanding of strengths and weaknesses in data policy planning and implementation.

Aligned with the AU Data Policy Framework endorsed by the AU Summit in February 2022, the AUDP-CAT aims to foster an enabling policy environment conducive to maximizing the benefits of data-driven value economies.

Structured around two main categories: Continental and Regional Implementation, and Country-level Implementation, the AUDP-CAT further delineates specific areas of assessment within each category.

For Continental and Regional Implementation, the assessment focuses on:

1. Regional Data Standards and Data Categorisation Inventory
2. Continental and Regional Instruments and Alignment Inventory

At the Country-level, the assessment examines:

1. Foundational Infrastructure Inventory
2. Data Value Creation and Markets Inventory
3. Legitimate and Trustworthy Data Systems
4. Data Standards and Data Categorisation Inventory
5. Data Governance

Using a scoring system based on a 4-point scale (0 to 3), the AUDP-CAT evaluates the status of systems, resources, and processes, providing insights into areas of strength and weakness. Scores reflect the maturity and effectiveness of data policy frameworks and implementations, guiding efforts for capacity strengthening and improvement.

The summary of scores allows for a comprehensive overview across continental/regional and country-level categories, enabling stakeholders to identify priority areas for intervention and development.

Should you require further details, a comprehensive document is available in the document resource section below. We encourage thorough engagement with the AUDP-CAT to drive impactful advancements in data policy planning and implementation across the African continent.