About Us

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact

Born from the belief that research can transform communities, Friends of Data bridges academics, professionals, and organizations to use data for real-world impact.

Our Story

How It All Began

Friends of Data was founded with a simple yet powerful vision: to democratize access to data skills and research capabilities across Africa and beyond.

We recognized that while data was becoming increasingly crucial for decision-making, many organizations and researchers lacked the tools, training, and support to harness its full potential.

Today, we've grown into a community of data enthusiasts, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to transforming how organizations collect, analyze, and act on data.

250+
Learners Trained
50+
Projects Completed
3
Countries
20+
Partner Organizations

Our Mission

To empower researchers and organizations with the tools and skills to turn data into decisions that create meaningful change in communities.

Our Vision

A world where every organization, regardless of size or resources, has the capability to leverage data for evidence-based decision making.

How We Work

Our Approach

Blending creativity, evidence, and innovation — we turn research into stories that move people.

1

Understand

We dive deep into your context, challenges, and goals to tailor solutions that fit your unique needs.

2

Collaborate

We work alongside your team, transferring knowledge and building capacity every step of the way.

3

Deliver

We provide actionable insights and sustainable solutions that create lasting impact.

What We Stand For

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do.

Friendship

Integrity in Data

Global Collaboration

Continuous Learning

Innovation

Leadership

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals driving our mission forward.

D

Dr. Amina Hassan

Founder & Lead Consultant

Dr. Hassan brings over 15 years of experience in research methodology and data analytics. She founded Friends of Data to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.

E

Emmanuel Kofi Mensah

Head of Training

Emmanuel leads our training programs with a passion for making data skills accessible. He has trained over 500 researchers across Africa.

Our Team

The People Behind Our Work

A diverse team of experts dedicated to your success.

S

Sarah Wanjiku

Senior Data Analyst

Sarah specializes in Power BI and advanced analytics, helping organizations transform their data into actionable insights.

J

Jean-Pierre Mukendi

Research Consultant

Jean-Pierre brings expertise in qualitative research and evaluation, with extensive experience in the DRC and Central Africa.

Ready to Work With Us?

Let's discuss how we can help your organization make data-driven decisions.

Get in Touch