Abstract

This chapter examines the critical role of data for the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, with a specific focus on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in Lagos and Accra. The chapter argues that while the importance of digital technologies and data for the implementation of the SDGs has been acknowledged, data inequality remains a fundamental challenge. This inequality reflects existing global socio-spatial inequalities. If not carefully considered, these can be perpetuated even further. The chapter builds on results of the ongoing research project, SCiLeD: Standardizing City-Level Data-Gathering for Achieving SDG 11 in Africa, to examine the concrete processes, challenges, and opportunities available for African cities to implement data innovations aimed at localizing SDG 11. It draws on lessons learned and provides future directions based on how the SCiLeD project applied a transdisciplinary research approach for co-designing and co-producing knowledge. This approach allowed for the generation of data that is disaggregated to the neighborhood level, involving community mappers and profilers to reflect and respond to local needs and realities, thereby illustrating its transformative influence and potential toward achieving SDG 11 in African cities by 2030.