Enhancing the West African research ecosystem through data management capacity development
By Wanetam Admin
In an era of unprecedented health challenges and rapidly evolving research methodologies, the ability to effectively manage, analyse, and share scientific data has emerged as a critical determinant of research success. For West African health research institutions, developing robust data management capabilities is not merely a technical consideration, it is an essential strategic priority that shapes the impact, visibility, and sustainability of regional research efforts. Recognising this imperative, WANETAM has positioned itself at the forefront of addressing data management gaps across the subregion, working to transform how West African researchers handle data throughout the research lifecycle and ultimately strengthening the continent’s contribution to global scientific knowledge. Through the Health Data Research West Africa (HDRWA) initiative, WANETAM in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM) and the Parasites and Microbes Research and Training Centre (PMRTC) organised a three-day training workshop on Data Management and Data Sharing from April 28th to 30th, 2025, in Bamako, Mali.
This strategic initiative brought together 20 Data Managers and 10 researchers from 13 research institutions and universities across seven West African countries – Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and The Gambia. Funded by the Gates Foundation, the workshop represents a significant milestone in WANETAM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional research capacity.
According to Badou Gaye, a co-lead for WANETAM’s Data Sharing Work Package, this training forms a crucial component of the Network’s strategy to enhance data management infrastructure and expertise across the sub-region. “By investing in these capabilities, we are building sustainable research systems that can effectively respond to our region’s health priorities through high-quality, data-driven research,” he highlighted.
The workshop was designed to provide comprehensive training on best practices in research data management. Participants were thoroughly introduced to the Data Management Life Cycle, learning crucial skills such as writing Data Management Plans (DMPs), developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementing data security and privacy measures, and applying data anonymisation techniques. A particular emphasis was placed on the use of REDCap as a central data management platform, complemented by instruction on a library of 24 Standard Operating Procedures for managing research data.
The training sessions also highlighted the importance of metadata standards and FAIR principles, which seek to ensure that data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, while emphasising the significance of documentation on governance structures and protocols for preparing data for sharing while maintaining integrity, accuracy, and completeness.
Mareme Seye Thiam, a Data Analyst from Institut Pasteur de Dakar, recognised the practical value of the training. “As someone who works with large and complex datasets, I particularly appreciate the focus on metadata standards and the FAIR principles. This training will directly improve how I manage data within my institution, supporting more efficient analysis and fostering collaboration,” she added.
Rahman Monsur Olanrewaju from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, also commended the organisers for the quality of the training. “It was both highly educational and comprehensive. The facilitators did an excellent job delivering the content with clarity and expertise,” he said. “Moving forward, the lessons I learned here will enhance how I approach data management back home in Ibadan, Nigeria,” he added.
The HDRWA initiative, under which this training was organised, is one of the integrated platforms established by WANETAM to consolidate and harness skills and resources in West Africa. It aims to develop capacity in data management and data sharing in the region and beyond, enhancing both human knowledge and necessary infrastructure to promote efficient scientific research.
This training represents an important step in WANETAM’s commitment to developing sustainable research capacity across West Africa. Through such initiatives, the Network is addressing crucial regional needs, including the expansion of quality data produced on the continent through multi-site research, secondary data usage, and meta-analysis
By equipping participants with the tools to implement strong data management plans, promote ethical data sharing, and enhance data quality and transparency, WANETAM continues to lead the way in establishing a critical foundation for high-quality, data-driven research that addresses priority health challenges in the region.
