Promoting statistics in the era of data science and data-driven innovations

This paper aims at highlighting initiatives in developing future statisticians directed at high-school and university levels in Niger. More specifically, it focuses on collaborations, partnerships, outreach initiatives and supporting mechanisms, which may contribute to increase engagement and interest in and attraction to the field of statistics in the era of data science and data-driven innovations. Providing sufficient exposure to modern statistical analysis, computational and graphical tools, written and oral communication skills, and the ever-growing interdisciplinary use of statistics are key activities for building future generations of statisticians. Furthermore, current curricula as well as pedagogical approaches, teaching materials, and assessment methods need to be re-thought in order to meet the requirements of the skills needed in the 21st century ensuring effective interaction with scientists, public institutions, industry, civil society, and policy makers.