Harnessing Big Data for National Statistics and Evidence-Based Policymaking

9:15-10:15 Welcome and opening ceremonies
- Opening Prayer by DD(ROC), Bright Mvula
- Opening Remarks by MC, DAES
- Opening Remarks by CS
- Opening Remarks by Prof. Blumenstock
- Group photo and breakfast
10:15-11:30 Master Lecture: Introduction to Big Data [slides]
11:30-12:30 Master Lecture: Innovative Applications of Satellite Data [slides]
12:30-12:45 Demo: Satellite data [slides]
LUNCH
2:00-3:15 Master Lecture: Innovative Applications of Digital Trace Data [slides]
3:15-3:30 Demo: Digital Trace Data
3:30-3:45 Break
3:45-4:45 Policy Panel: Malawi policy context and opportunities
- Moderator: Lina Cardona-Sosa (World Bank)
- Shelton Kayanda, Commissioner of Statistics (NSO)
- Andrew Jamali, Director of Research (National Planning Commission)
- Gowokanio Chijere Chirwa, Head of Economics Department (University of Malawi)
- Steven Mjuweni, Principal Secretary (E-Government)
4:45-5:00 Closing remarks
5:00-5:30 Optional technical session (for Day 2 participants): Setting up a computing environment

9:00-9:15 Opening remarks
9:15-10:00 Master Lecture: Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Science [slides]
10:00-11:00 Technical tutorial: Introduction to technical tools and software [slides]
11:00-11:15 Break
11:15-12:15 Technical tutorial: Machine learning [slides]
LUNCH / Installation office hours
1:15-3:00 Technical tutorial: Satellite and remote sensing
3:30-5:00 Technical tutorial: Digital trace data
5:00-5:15 Closing remarks

The following resources will be especially useful for those who wish to participate in the technical sessions on Day 2