The concept of open data is not new, but a formalized definition is relatively new. Conceptually, open data as a phenomenon denotes that governmental data should be available to anyone with a possibility of redistribution in any form without any copyright restriction. Open data is the idea that some data should be freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other mechanisms of control.
Somalia ranks among the world’s most corrupt countries and greatly practices a culture of secrecy with limited open data to the public. We believe that openness of data to the public as the most effective ways to detect and prevent corruption and mismanagement. We also believe that availability of open data empowers civil society, journalists, and citizens to hold power-holders accountable and to expose and address corruption.
For this reason, we have started a campaign that aimed to encourage open government initiatives in Somalia. See more about these initiatives below:-
LIVE EVENTS
We are hosting an #OpenDataDay event on March 7, 2020 in Garowe, Puntland Somalia. We will focus on local public contracting data. You can join us by registering your name, organisation and contact address:-
AVAILABLE OPEN DATA IN SOMALIA
You can access here the legal frameworks, policies and laws issued by the Government of Puntland since its establishment.
Puntland Ministry of Finance started publication of state revenue and expenditure to the public and engaged citizens in its budgeting process first time. This is first kind of openness to be shown by a budget holder in Somalia. Click here to see the data
LATEST UPDATES
Open Data Is Pivotal For COVID-19 Epidemic Response – The availability, openness, dissemination and use of data during the Coronavirus disease pandemic is indispensable and necessary for public benefit to help defeat disinformation and mythms as well as risk of digital security threats or cyber attacks. Open data contributes greatly in the fight against coronavirus, insight into preventive actions, population mobility, the spread of the disease, and the resilience of people and systems to cope with the virus, can help public health and humanitarian leaders respond more effectively to the COVID-19 epidemic. Read more…
Bareedo Platform Joins In Open Covid Pledge – World has changed in unprecedented ways in the last several weeks due to the Coronavirus pandemic and urgent action is required to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, inform public effectively and treat those it has affected. In this difficult time, it is indispensable that all data and information related to the pandemic is open and available free of charge for use in ending the COVID-19 pandemic and minimizing the impact and spread of the disease. Read More…..
Commemoration Of World Open Data Day 2020 Held In Garowe Puntland Somalia – On March 7, 2020 with support of Open Knowledge Foundation, Bareedo Platform organized commemoration of Open Data Day under theme of ” Encouraging uptake of local public contracting data in Somalia” in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia. The event was participated by 35 participants from the government, media, civil society organizations, private sector and academic institutions. Read More…
What Is Open Contracting And Its Benefits? – At its core, open contracting consists of: 1) the affirmative disclosure of information; and 2) participation, monitoring, and oversight. According to the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP), “open contracting is about publishing and using open, accessible, and timely information on government contracting to engage citizens and businesses in identifying and fixing problems.” Importantly, open contracting consists of disclosure and engagement throughout the entire chain of procurement, including planning, tendering, awarding, and implementation. It can also cover non-procurement issues such as licensing and extractives contracts. Read More…..
BRIEF REPORT ON ACHIEVEMENTS OF OPEN DATA IN PUNTLAND FOR THE YEAR OF 2019 – Bareedo Platform has been leading a campaign aimed to encourage open government in Somalia to promote democracy, accountable government and challenge corruption. In specific, the first campaign was started in Puntland State, a mature state with functional institutions and has been active and functioning even before re-establishment of Somalia’s central government. Read More…..