I have always been fascinated by one question: How can technology help development organisations make better decisions and create more meaningful impact for the communities they serve?
My name is Tasnur Tonoy, and I currently work with Trickle Up as a Lead, Data & Technology. With over 12 years’ experience in technology sector, my background spans software engineering, data management, digital transformation, project management, and technology strategy, with a particular focus on applying these disciplines to international development.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work across both the private sector and international development organisations, including BRAC, BRAC International, and now Trickle Up. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how technology can move beyond operational efficiency to become a powerful enabler of social impact.
Building a More Data-Led Development Sector
Today, at Trickle Up, my work focuses on strengthening the organisation's digital and data ecosystem to support economic inclusion programmes across different regions.
This includes developing global data frameworks, strengthening monitoring and learning systems, integrating digital data collection platforms, and exploring participant-centred technologies that connect programme delivery with organisational learning.
An important part of this journey is ensuring that data does not remain fragmented across projects, countries, or systems. Instead, we want to create an environment where information can be connected, compared, analysed, and translated into meaningful insights.
For me, the ultimate goal is not simply to collect more data, but to help organisations learn more effectively from the data they already have.
The Next Frontier: Artificial Intelligence for Development
More recently, my attention has turned toward the potential of artificial intelligence in the development sector, particularly when combined with rich socioeconomic and programme data.
I am currently exploring how AI can become an intelligence layer within digital development ecosystems, helping organisations analyse complex information, identify patterns, generate insights, and support continuous learning.
Imagine a programme manager being able to ask a question about participant progress across multiple countries and receive a meaningful, evidence-based analysis without manually consolidating spreadsheets and reports.
Or imagine frontline workers accessing relevant knowledge and coaching resources through conversational digital tools, supported by information from the programmes they deliver.
These are the kinds of possibilities we are beginning to explore through Trickle Up's evolving digital ecosystem, including our work on participant experience, digital coaching, and AI-enabled analytics.
Of course, the responsible use of AI requires careful consideration of data protection, inclusion, accuracy, and human oversight. Technology should strengthen human judgment and relationships, not replace them.
Learning, Connecting, and Moving Forward
I believe the next major opportunity for the development sector is to move from data collection to data intelligence, where digital systems do more than document what has happened. They help us understand why it happened, what we can learn, and how we might respond.
I am excited to be part of the DSG Hub community, where organisations and practitioners can exchange experiences, share practical innovations, and learn from both successes and challenges.
Because ultimately, the value of technology in development should not be measured by how sophisticated our systems become, but by how much better we can serve the people and communities at the centre of our work.
My Writing & Perspectives
Over the years, I've had opportunities to share my experiences and perspectives on digital transformation, data, and technology in international development. Here are a few articles reflecting that journey:
- Rethinking Digital Coaching for Economic Inclusion | Trickle Up
Interested in learning more?
Many of the ideas discussed in this article continue to emerge through conversations with practitioners working at the intersection of data, digital tools, and AI. As part of that ongoing learning, I facilitate DSG Hub’s Tools in the Field webinar series, where implementers and technology providers share practical experiences, challenges, and lessons from the field.
The next session will take place on November 3rd. I hope you’ll join us. Register for the session.
