Atlas Corps celebrates its 15th anniversary! It is time to celebrate the achievements of our amazing network of over 1,100 leaders from 110 countries and share stories on the global impact of our Alumni, Fellows, and Scholars.

Today we speak with Atlas Corps Scholar Emmanuel (Cohort 1, Mali) from our Virtual Leadership Institute. As a social entrepreneur, Emmanuel combines his passion towards social change and his expertise in data and technology in order to enhance living conditions throughout the African continent. He is the co-founder of Data Transport, an organization that improves African mobility by making transit and infrastructure data more accessible to the public.

Thank you Emmanuel for inspiring us with your efforts in using data to improve transportation and infrastructure throughout the African continent. We appreciate learning about your impact and your personal and professional growth. We wish you the best with this impactful work!


Name: Emmanuel Bama

Home Country: Mali

Current Organization: Data Transport

Role at current organization: Co-founder and Project Manager

Social Issues that you have worked with: Industry, innovation and infrastructure; Sustainable cities and communities

 

Tell us about projects you have worked on?

In 2013, I founded OpenStreetMap Cote d’Ivoire, a nonprofit organization that works in free collaborative mapping in West Africa, and Data Transport, an organization working in the digitalization of African mobility through data, followed by Opendigitech, a technology services, and solutions provider. I shared my expertise with international organizations and institutions like the National Democratic Institute, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, World Bank, etc. I am sharing my passion for technology through my blog www.emmanuelbama.net

Why is it important for you to work with infrastructure and mobility data?

I am passionate about using data and technology to improve and save lives. I believe that improving the living conditions of humans should be at the heart of any development project.

Emmanuel working on the mapping of the transit line

How has Atlas Corps contributed to your professional and personal accomplishments?

Through the Virtual Leadership Institute, Atlas Corps has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my skills in the implementation of social impact projects and connect with experts and impactful world leaders. Because of this, I am confident and better prepared to be a resilient leader.

What is your favorite Atlas Corps memory?

One of my most memorable moments was when Scott Beale, the Founder of Atlas Corps, sent me a private message on LinkedIn expressing his excitement to know me through Atlas Corps. That is a sign of humility and greatness…

Work planning for Data Transport

What advice do you have for applicants and current Scholars?

I would like to tell them they are on the right path and have made a great choice in joining Atlas Corps.

What message would you like to send to individuals who support Atlas Corps?

I would like to thank all the people who are supporting Atlas Corps and tell them to keep on doing it because they are contributing to the changing of lives and the emergence of leaders with a huge social impact.


On November 20, Atlas Corps celebrates 15 years of engaging social change leaders. Join us to honor our legacy of service with more than 1,100 leaders from 110 countries at the Atlas Corps 15-Year Anniversary Gala. We will convene friends of Atlas Corps from all sectors and regions of the world to reflect on 15 years of engaging social changemakers and inspire towards our future. Join to connect with our community, meet Fellows, and celebrate Atlas Corps!


Photos from the personal archive of Emmanuel Bama