Strong data systems are essential to develop stronger education systems. They enable governments to understand where children are learning and where they are being left behind, to plan better, allocate resources more equitably and measure progress more accurately.

In many countries, strengthening education data capacity is a clear priority for education ministries, yet access to high-quality, practical training opportunities for ministry of education staff remain limited.

The GPE-Cisco Education Data Analytics Training responds to this need by offering practical tools and learning opportunities that help translate data into insight and action.

Developed jointly by GPE and the global technology company Cisco, the training builds on GPE’s Education Data Leadership Program (EDLP).

The EDLP was launched at the 2021 Global Education Summit to tackle the data challenges education ministries face by bringing private sector knowledge to enhance ministry data capabilities.

Training pilot in The Gambia shows promise

Based on a training first piloted in The Gambia, combining Cisco’s Networking Academy modules on data analytics and GPE education data exercises, the training was tailored to meet the specific needs of The Gambia’s education management information system (EMIS) unit, ensuring that capacity building efforts were both relevant and effective.

The experience highlighted how strong data systems are essential for reinforcing education systems.

After completion of the training, staff from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) reported increased confidence in analyzing and visualizing education data, improved collaboration between EMIS and planning units, and stronger ownership of national data systems.

Training expanded to 19 countries across Africa

Drawing on these lessons from the pilot in The Gambia, GPE and Cisco is now scaling the training to 19 GPE partner countries through the GPE Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) Africa 19 Hub, with more than 140 ministry officials already enrolled.

Officially launched on October 31, 2025, the GPE-Cisco Education Data Analytics Training is designed to strengthen education data skills and support evidence-based decision making.

Developed in response to the demand from partner countries for improved education data capacity, the program will strengthen the skills of ministry officials to analyze and interpret data through a globally recognized, practical training, at no cost.

Participating ministries of education showed clear enthusiasm in the training, motivated by a shared desire to strengthen evidence-based planning and improve learning outcomes.

Participants also see the training as an opportunity to enhance leadership skills in utilizing data and to mentor colleagues within their departments.

Progressing faster and further through partnership

In a world rapidly evolving and more connected than ever, public-private partnerships have become essential.

Finding the key to complex challenges requires the combined strengths of governments, businesses and civil society.

By bringing together the knowledge and expertise of ministries of education with the private sector’s innovation and technical skills, public-private partnerships help to accelerate progress and ensure that initiatives deliver real results.

As the Education Data Analytics Training expands across Africa, the collaboration between GPE, Cisco and regional partners such as the GPE KIX Africa 19 Hub marks a new chapter in data-driven education transformation.

Among those attending the launch, Thomas Momo Parker, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Planning, Research and Development, captured the spirit of the initiative:

By combining Cisco’s skills in data systems and digital learning with GPE’s expertise in education data and its convening power across multiple education stakeholders, the training is a clear example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate education transformation and help ensure every child has access to quality learning.