Exploitation des données ouvertes : usages et perspectives

In April 2025, the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) recognized Senegal's progress in data openness: the country gained 67 places in two years, reaching 33rd place worldwide with a score of 88/100. This result, the result of a proactive strategy led by the National Agency for Demographic Statistics (ANSD), illustrates the ambition of the State of Senegal to make Open Data a concrete lever for economic, social and democratic development.

This article explains how open data can improve governance, stimulate innovation and strengthen citizen engagement, while highlighting the challenges that must be overcome to maximize its impact. 

I. The potential of open data (exploitation of open data)

The opening of public data goes beyond simply making information available: it opens up a field of opportunities to improve governance, develop innovation and strengthen citizen participation. 

Thus, open data becomes a strategic tool when it is used in a structured and accessible manner.

1. Faciliter la prise de décision publique (exploitation des données ouvertes)

First, open data provides decision-makers with a clearer and more comprehensive view of socio-economic reality. By cross-referencing up-to-date indicators, it becomes possible to assess the effectiveness of public policies, anticipate needs, and redirect strategies. 

For example, data on employment, health or the environment allow for better planning of interventions, targeting of resources and monitoring of the evolution of results. Thus, access to reliable and up-to-date data constitutes an essential foundation for informed public management.

2. Stimuler l’innovation et créer de nouvelles opportunités

Then, free access to data encourages creativity and the development of new services.

Indeed, researchers, startups, and businesses can analyze this information to design solutions tailored to real needs. This can include applications for mobility, health, resource management, or even sector analysis tools. 

Furthermore, by making data available in structured formats (CSV, JSON, API), it becomes possible to automate their use and integrate them directly into information systems, which facilitates their reuse and multiplies the use cases.

3. Renforcer la transparence et l’engagement citoyen

Finally, transparency is a major challenge for Open Data. When public data is accessible and understandable, citizens can monitor the actions of institutions and better understand the decisions that affect them.

Therefore, this promotes trust in public management and encourages active participation. To achieve this goal, simple visualizations, clear indicators, and interactive interfaces help make this information accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of education or access to technology.

In short, open data provides a solid foundation for improving governance, supporting innovation, and strengthening democratic participation. This perspective illustrates why its thoughtful and structured use is a major challenge for contemporary societies.

II. Challenges and perspectives: the future of Open Data (exploitation of open data)

Having explored the potential of open data, it is essential to turn to the challenges and prospects that accompany its development. 

Indeed, opening up data comes with conditions that must be met and challenges that must be anticipated to ensure that it fully produces its value.

1. Ensure data quality and coverage

First and foremost, data quality remains an essential condition. Incomplete, outdated, or poorly structured data severely limits its usefulness.

Therefore, it is necessary to establish quality standards, ensure regular updating and guarantee consistency of formats. 

Furthermore, broader coverage in areas such as health, education, the environment or employment would strengthen the impact of Open Data and broaden its uses.

2. Strengthen skills to exploit data

Then, opening up data is not enough: you also need to know how to exploit it. This requires developing technical skills, particularly in data science, visualization, statistical analysis and the development of digital tools.

Therefore, the provision of data must be accompanied by training and support efforts, in order to enable all stakeholders, public or private, to take advantage of this resource.

This point is confirmed by the Senegal's National Data Strategy, which emphasizes that Open Data requires not only access to information, but also skills building, a data culture and structured support for efficient, ethical and responsible exploitation.

3. Garantir l’interopérabilité et la compréhension

Furthermore, for open data to be truly useful, it must be interoperable and understandable. This involves the use of standardized formats, clear metadata, and intuitive platforms.

Furthermore, translating and contextualizing information, particularly into local languages, can enhance accessibility and promote broader societal ownership.

4. Construire une culture de la donnée ouverte

Finally, beyond the technical aspects, Open Data calls for a cultural change. It involves developing an approach based on transparency, collaboration, and sharing. This data culture requires ongoing awareness, clear governance, and constant commitment from the stakeholders involved.

5. Garantir la sécurité des données grâce à une gouvernance solide (exploitation des données ouvertes)

Finally, opening up public data cannot be achieved without guaranteeing its security. It is necessary to put in place clear policies, control mechanisms, and robust governance practices to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and appropriate use of data. Good data governance, as promoted by the National Data Strategy, helps ensure a balance between openness, transparency, and security. This includes defining rules, technical standards, and protocols to secure access and prevent misuse. Ensuring security is therefore an essential condition for Open Data to inspire trust and reach its full potential.

Ultimately, the challenges of Open Data are opportunities: improving quality, expanding coverage, strengthening skills, and promoting interoperability help maximize its impact. This path toward truly open, understandable, and usable data is an essential step in building a more informed, innovative, and participatory society.