Francis is a climate data analyst, statistics educator, and social entrepreneur passionate about improving lives through data-driven decision-making. He is the founder and director of GHAIDEMS Ltd, a Ghanaian social enterprise dedicated to strengthening climate resilience and data literacy across Africa. He also co-founded African Maths Initiative Ghana (AMI Ghana), an NGO focused on creating a positive mathematical culture through education and research.
With over a decade of experience collaborating with meteorological services and development agencies across Africa, Francis brings deep expertise in climate data analysis, participatory methods, and statistical education. His work with the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) has helped bridge the gap between complex climate information and farmers’ decision-making needs. He has contributed to projects led by ICRISAT, University of Reading, and IDEMS International, and played a leading role in capacity building using R-Instat, a statistical tool designed for climate data analysis.
He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Cape Coast. His research focuses on improving climate information for agriculture, especially in the context of smallholder farming in Ghana. He has an MSc in Mathematical Sciences from AIMS Ghana. Francis has facilitated climate data workshops across Africa and authored several technical reports and academic publications related to climate services and education.
At GHAIDEMS, he provides leadership and strategic guidance, ensuring that our initiatives enhance societal transformation through the application of mathematics, statistics, and data science. We focus on education, climate analytics, and decision-support tools that help various stakeholders, including farmers and policymakers, make informed choices.
At IDEMS, he contributes to climate-focused projects, helping meteorological services improve climate-relevant analyses and data quality. Francis also helps mentor interns and work on enhancing mathematical education across Africa.
What’s the most challenging project you’re working on right now?
Improving the quality of long-term climate data in countries where digital archives are incomplete or inconsistent is very challenging. Merging manual records, filling missing gaps, research on outfilling to extend records and ensuring the usability of data for stakeholders involves meticulous work and coordination with local agencies.
What social problem is nearest and dearest to you?
Access to quality climate information for smallholder farmers. Empowering them with reliable data can significantly reduce vulnerability and improve livelihoods.
Also, I am deeply committed to tackling the challenge of mathematics education and its perception in Ghana and across Africa. Many students develop anxiety and fear around mathematics, seeing it as an abstract subject disconnected from the real world. This negative perception limits opportunities in science, technology, and innovation—fields that are crucial for Africa’s development. Through initiatives like AMI Ghana and the Allotey Maths Camp, I am passionate about changing this narrative. By making mathematics engaging, practical, and enjoyable, we help students see its relevance and power. Long-term, I hope to foster a positive mathematical culture that equips young minds with the problem-solving skills necessary for driving progress in diverse sectors, from climate science to entrepreneurship.
What role should tech play in social impact?
Technology should bridge knowledge gaps, not widen them. Tools must be designed with end-users in mind to be usable, context-specific, localised, and supportive of long-term capacity building.
What’s most surprising or rewarding about transdisciplinary collaborations?
Realising that no one needs to know everything. When different disciplines come together, even small contributions from one’s own field can be transformative in shaping the outcome of a complex project.
Why do you choose to work with IDEMS?
IDEMS provides a rare space where meaningful research meets practical impact. The team is collaborative, visionary, and grounded in real-world challenges. It’s an environment where I can grow, contribute, and feel aligned with the mission.
Where is home?
I consider Ghana home, but my work takes me across Africa. My commitment to education and climate research means I am constantly engaging with individuals and communities in various countries. Outside of work, I enjoy singing in my home church choir, playing football and chess, and being active in my church and local volunteer work.