ODIN 2024/25: A Decade of Progress with New Risks Ahead

A First Look at ODIN 2024/25:
A Decade of Progress with New Risks Ahead

by the Open Data Watch Team
29 April 2025

Open Data Watch is pleased to announce the launch of the seventh edition of the Open Data Inventory (ODIN), now featuring results for 197 countries—the highest number ever assessed—across 22 categories of official statistics. This edition marks a decade of assessing the coverage and openness of official statistics.

ODIN 2024/25 reveals a clear trend: countries are making substantial progress toward more open and comprehensive official statistics. However, it also highlights a critical concern among today’s current data ecosystem context: without sustained commitment and investment, much of this progress could be lost.

Over the years, ODIN has proven to be a vital tool for identifying data gaps, improving accessibility, and strengthening the relationship between national statistical offices (NSOs) and the users of their data. It continues to serve as a crucial resource for governments, development partners, and advocates working to enhance data systems for sustainable development.

Explore the results at odin.opendatawatch.com

What’s New in 2024?

The highest number of countries ever assessed: 197
Record-breaking openness: A global increase in average scores by 12.5 percent, the largest jump in ODIN’s 10-year history
Widespread country progress: Over 80 percent of countries improved their ODIN score

ODIN 2024/25 results show that countries are bouncing back from pandemic-era setbacks and moving forward. Investments in data are delivering results, especially in lower-income regions where support has been targeted. But not all areas are improving equally, and critical social data may be at risk.

Key Findings from ODIN 2024/25

More Open Data Than Ever: The global average ODIN score rose significantly, with Africa and Oceania leading the charge. Africa’s average score increased by 23 percent, the highest of any region. Central Asia, Middle Africa, and Western Africa made dramatic gains, showing that with the right support, every country can strengthen its open data systems.
Coverage Gains, But Social Data Still Lags: Coverage of economic and environmental statistics is rising fast. Social statistics, including education, health, and gender data, remain underproduced. Some categories like food security and education facilities showed little or no progress. This trend is especially concerning as the future of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), a critical source of social and gender data, is in jeopardy. ODIN warns that losing DHS support could lead to major gaps in data on women’s health, child mortality, and more.
Progress in Openness but Gaps Remain: Countries are improving how they publish data, with major gains in adopting open data licenses. But only a small share has implemented licenses system-wide, and metadata — essential for discoverability and AI-readiness — remains a neglected area.

Country Stories of Progress

ODIN 2024/25 highlights three countries showing different but equally powerful pathways to better open data.

Chile has steadily built a balanced, integrated open data system, now scoring among the top in Latin America.
Malaysia made a dramatic leap in openness, showing how digital transformation can accelerate progress.
Saudi Arabia rebounded strongly after a previous dip, proving that renewed focus pays off.

These examples show that political will, targeted investment, and smart coordination can lead to meaningful improvements regardless of a country’s starting point.

Spotlight on Africa

In partnership with the African Development Bank, ODIN supported 12 African countries through technical assistance and targeted capacity-building. Participating countries improved their ODIN scores, proving that regional collaboration and long-term support are effective strategies for progress.

What’s Next?

Throughout 2025, Open Data Watch will release a series of thematic briefs diving deeper into specific findings from the ODIN report, including gender data, environmental statistics, data licensing, and more.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore the results, use ODIN to identify where support is most needed and advocate for open, inclusive, and resilient data systems.

ODIN Report