Data and AI
The IGC helps developing country governments use data and AI to deliver timely, decision-ready tools and insights that improve economic outcomes.
The IGC works with partner governments across Africa and Asia to strengthen the use of data and AI in policymaking - answering growth-relevant policy questions and supporting decision-making. It builds embedded analytical capability within core economic ministries, turns data into policy-relevant insights, and integrates AI tools into government processes. Bringing together economics, data science, and AI, interdisciplinary teams apply technical tools and research to improve how governments design policy, allocate resources, and deliver services.
Data and AI for evidence-based economic policy and growth
Produce data-driven insights
Generate research and analysis using administrative and non-traditional data to improve targeting, clarify trade-offs, and strengthen policy decisions.
Embed analytical capability
Place economists, data analysts, and AI specialists within government to improve policy outcomes while building in-house public-sector capacity.
Develop tools and shared learning
Build AI tools, decision toolkits, case studies, and cross-country lessons that help policymakers use data and apply AI in real contexts.
Strengthen the data–policy loop
Integrate economics, data, and AI into decision-making processes, ensuring insights are translated into implementation and continuous improvement.
People
Aleta Starosta
Head of the Zambia Evidence Lab (ZEL), International Growth Centre
Harry Mayne
AI Advisor, International Growth Centre
Stephen Jackson
ZEL Lab Economist, Zambia, International Growth Centre
Tobias Edison
Data Engineer at Zambia Evidence Lab (ZEL), Zambia, International Growth Centre
Kosam Chola
ZEL, Data Analyst, Zambia, International Growth Centre
Matteo Larrode
Data Analyst at the Zambia Evidence Lab (ZEL), International Growth Centre
Alejandra Castaneda
AI Engineer, Zambia Evidence Lab (ZEL), Zambia, International Growth Centre
Key initiatives
Blogs
Data and AI
From data to decisions: Improving data use in governments
Blog
Data and AI
From promise to practice: Making AI work in LMIC governments
Blog
Intelligent taxation and AI: Promises and pitfalls
Blog
Strengthening the hidden infrastructure of public health through AI
Blog
Data and AI
Artificial intelligence in national statistics: Insights from Zambia
Blog
Climate priorities in developing countries
Understanding consumer behaviour to accelerate India’s clean energy transition
Blog
Data and AI
How can AI help detect non-compliance and improve tax enforcement?
Blog
Data and AI
Harnessing AI, data and technology for growth in Pakistan
Blog
Data and AI
What AI reveals about the state of environmental justice in India
Blog
Data and AI
Leveraging data to strengthen Zambia’s decentralisation agenda
Blog
Data and AI
Five lessons for simplifying tax systems in Commonwealth countries
Blog
Publications
E-invoicing adoption under loadshedding in Zambia
Policy brief
Using satellite data and social media to strengthen air pollution accountability worldwide
Policy brief
Unlocking the potential of Zambia's administrative data
Synthesis paper
How data can improve property tax implementation in Rwanda
Policy brief
Harnessing AI and data for tax administration
Policy toolkit
Transforming Zambia’s Labour Force Survey using artificial intelligence
Working paper
Projects
Automation and labour market skill gaps in the manufacturing sector
Project
Scoping project on machine learning for countering customs tax evasion in Zambia
Project
Introducing anonymity and third-party information to combat customs tax evasion in Pakistan
Project
Data and artificial intelligence in Rwanda's public sector
Project
Advancing energy research with street-level consumption data
Project
Laying the data foundations for public sector productivity in Jordan
Project
Cleaning Lahore's air: Information creation and disclosure
Project
Endogenous sample selection in Zambian household surveys
Project
Measuring local economic development in Zambia
Project
Leveraging energy data for better residential energy subsidy targeting
Project