Building a data ecosystem for using telecom data to inform the COVID-19 response efforts

Telecom data are critical for understanding population distribution and mobility patterns, which can help inform the COVID-19 response efforts. They are especially useful for resource-constrained countries where data and financial resources for data collection are scarce. These countries often have limited capabilities to handle and analyze telecom data that require specific technologies and computing environments.

In this paper, we discuss the development of a data ecosystem for using telecom data for development and society in the Global South. Key stakeholders, along with their roles and responsibilities, are also described based on our collaboration with ICT regulators, mobile network operators, and other ministries and aid agencies as data consumers over the last eight years. We also showcase a few ongoing projects to support several African countries in producing mobility statistics to inform the COVID-19 response efforts.