This first edition of the biennial Africa Data Revolution Report aims to address issues on the process of transforming data ecosystems, from the status quo to an aspirational state where data from both conventional and new sources are being harnessed to better inform decision-making and enable sustainable development with contributions from diverse data communities. The report is envisioned to assist countries on the continent in charting their way towards strengthened national data ecosystems by identifying common problems, sharing home-grown examples and lessons learned and coming up with actionable recommendations applicable in the regional, national and local contexts. Further, it reviews the current state of data ecosystems in Africa in terms of the diversity of data actors and their capacity needs, legislative and policy frameworks, technological infrastructure, tools and platforms, and the dynamic interactions between them.