Africa’s spatial data science landscape in the context of covid-19 pandemic

The emergence of Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019 presented daunting challenges for designing and implementing sustainable solutions at both local and global levels. The situation was dire in many developing economies with limited resources and vulnerable healthcare systems especially in Africa. Spatial data science (SDS) can be adopted and utilized to assist countries and local communities in understanding and effectively responding to Covid-19 pandemic. This article’s study reviewed recent literature with the main goal to assess the application of this data-driven and technology-oriented modern approach in addressing Covid-19 in the African continent. Findings indicate that while examples of applications involving traditional geospatial technologies especially geographic information systems are abound, the use of more advanced SDS elements is limited and fragmented. Additionally, various studies leveraged SDS to address one or more complex questions against the backdrop of challenges largely influenced by the digital divide within Africa and across the globe. The article identifies and discusses these challenges as well as opportunities for increased use of SDS in Africa to understand and respond to disasters like Covid-19 and other complex problems. The argument is made for a more complete use of multiple elements of SDS.