Blog: The Commonwealth’s National Agricultural Data Infrastructure

A blog by Dr. Benjamin Kwasi Addom, Adviser, Agriculture & Fisheries Trade Policy, Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, Commonwealth Secretariat. This blog is the third in a series exploring effective approaches to data management.

The first blog focused on the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its implications for Commonwealth countries, while the second examined ‘Building national data infrastructures through a bottom-up approach.’

In this entry, we explore the significance of NAgDI in empowering Commonwealth nations to build shared agricultural data infrastructures, ensuring compliance with global trade regulations while fostering economic resilience and data sovereignty.

In an era where data has become one of the most valuable resources for economic growth, the Commonwealth Secretariat has taken a bold step to help its member countries harness the full potential of agricultural data. Through its Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for Trade and Investment (CCA) programme, the Secretariat launched the National Agricultural Data Infrastructure (NAgDI) initiative in September 2023.

This initiative aims to help member countries design and build shared national spaces for their agricultural data—not to compete with existing siloed systems but to reinforce their value in macro-level decision-making. NAgDI also facilitates the development of more complex data infrastructures at regional and global levels.

As highlighted in the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda Declaration, data is a key enabler of intra-Commonwealth trade and investment. While physical infrastructure like roads, air, and sea transport is essential for moving goods, data infrastructure is the foundation that enables these systems?to function efficiently.

Unlike finite resources such as gold and oil, data is limitless and increases in value the more it is used. However, its true potential is unlocked only when it is shared responsibly rather than hoarded in silos. Without proper regulation, data mining can lead to privacy concerns and power imbalances. Thus, national governments must establish mechanisms for equitable data access, ensuring it remains a tool for informed decision-making in trade, investment, and economic policy.

NAgDI and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

As discussed in the first blog of this series, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) emphasises traceability, requiring detailed data on commodities and their geolocated origins. National data infrastructures like NAgDI provide a legal and economic framework for securely sharing such data, reducing redundancy in data collection.

By leveraging NAgDI, exporting companies can specify the data points they need to meet EUDR regulations. An independent governance structure fosters trust among data holders, allowing them to open their systems for data exchange. A revenue-sharing model further incentivises data providers to grant access while maintaining control over their datasets.

Through this structured approach, NAgDI will not only support compliance with EUDR but also enhance transparency and efficiency in trade processes. Data holders benefit from their contributions being valued, while exporting companies gain access to certified, cross-validated data that meets regulatory requirements.

Why Commonwealth countries should embrace NAgDI

NAgDI offers strategic advantages for Commonwealth nations in two key areas:

• Economic Implications for Trade and Investment: Failure to meet EUDR requirements could create trade barriers, reduce investment opportunities, and cause economic setbacks. Importing countries may also face supply shortages if exporters fail to comply. Implementing NAgDI ensures access to reliable, high-quality data that facilitates trade and investment. ?
• Policy Implications for Data Sovereignty: Strong national data infrastructures are essential for maintaining digital sovereignty. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), countries with robust digital public infrastructures such as NAgDI, are better positioned to achieve their development goals. Governments must act proactively to improve data coordination in their countries. If they fail to do so, external entities could control critical data flows, weakening national digital sovereignty. NAgDI fosters a trusted environment where the private sector can operate with confidence and minimal risk.

The way forward

A key lesson from the EUDR is that governments must invest in shared data spaces now to prepare for future regulations. Delayed action could have long-term consequences, limiting economic growth and digital empowerment. Fortunately, private-sector data-sharing frameworks already exist, enabling efficient industrial data exchanges. Governments must seize this opportunity to drive the development of national data infrastructures that support sustainable economic growth.

As this blog series concludes, it is clear that adopting a national approach to data management is no longer optional—it is a necessity. The Commonwealth Secretariat, through initiatives like NAgDI, is fostering a collaborative, data-driven future. The Secretariat is currently developing an Investment Roadmap for NAgDI-a generic tool that member countries can adapt to their national context. But the success of such national data spaces for intra-Commonwealth trade and investment depends on how interoperable they are with other infrastructures. Now, national governments must take decisive action to transform their data ecosystems, ensuring economic resilience and prosperity for generations to come.

Interested member countries and partners should contact [email protected] for more information.

Read the previous blogs from this series on the Commonwealth website:

• EUDR – A Lesson for Commonwealth Countries to Embrace a National Approach to Data Management
• From policy to practice - Building national data infrastructures through a bottom-up approach