One of GRID3’s programmatic goals is to strengthen countries’ capacities to use geospatial data and technologies for development interventions. GRID3 delivered an extensive training of trainers (ToT) programme in Zambia which was attended by urban planners. As a result of these trainings, planning councils look to use geospatial solutions to inform integrated development plans (IDPs).

In June 2021, the government of Sierra Leone released its new School Infrastructure and Catchment Area Planning policy. Laying the foundation for increased access to safe, quality education, the document draws extensively upon insights from the GRID3 Education Coverage in Sierra Leone report. The policy was also informed by additional school catchment mapping conducted by GRID3 in collaboration with Fab Inc.

Accurate and accessible geospatial data plays a pivotal role in district planning for Zimba District, Zambia, where planners are trying to facilitate development. Through an interview with Josephine Chiila, District Planning Officer in Zimba, we learn how GRID3 population, settlement and infrastructure data are being used to identify service provision gaps and inform future development decisions.

To support Nigeria’s Universal Basic Educational Commission (UBEC) in improving access to education, GRID3 Nigeria used geospatial data to analyse the location of current schools to Nigeria’s school-age population and recommend new school locations.