Technical Experts Conclude Assessment for 2025 Census

A seven-man delegation of technical experts from United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), United States Census Bureau (USCB), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has on Friday, 13th January 2025, completed a five-day technical and result oriented assessment and support mission at Statistics Sierra Leone.

The assessment mainly examined Statistics Sierra Leone’s (Stats SL’s) preparedness, as well as the capacity to conduct the 2025 Digital Census, building on the lessons learned from the 2021 Mid-Term digital census.

The objective was to specifically identify key areas of support and collaboration for the institution in its preparations to conduct a successful census.

The technical experts from USCB, UNFPA, and UNECA deployed, among many other methodologies, the Tool for Assessing Statistical Capacity (TASC), to determine Stats SL technical capacity to undertake a census.  TASC is an accredited software instrument used to provide qualitative measurement and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of National Statistical Offices (NSOs), in preparedness to conduct a census or survey. The instrument, administered to Stats SL executive management and staff, covered several components of census, ranging from: Institutional Capacity, Planning and Management, Mapping, Sampling, Questionnaire Content and Testing, Field Operations, Data Processing, Data Analysis and Evaluation, Data Dissemination and Publicity.

The outcome of the TASC indicates that Stats SL has professional capacity to undertake a census, has made significant strides to reposition the census in its right perspective that meet international standards, has included all stakeholders in the preparatory stages, has established the census coordination and management structure, and made good gains in the areas of census planning and management, field operations and data dissemination. However, the areas of mapping, sampling, data processing, data analysis and evaluation, mobile data capture, publicity, questionnaire content, and testing require capacity building and training in terms of human resources and technologies.

The Statistician General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, expressed gratitude to the technical experts for a meaningful assessment and support mission. He noted that the findings from the assessment would be treated with prime importance and would serve as a reference document for better census plannings and undertakings.

In the same vein, the Officer-In-Charge, UNFPA Sierra Leone, Sibeso Mululuma, commended Stats SL for an incredible week of showcasing its technical capacity and strength. She emphasized the need for the mission, stating that the findings of the mission are valuable to addressing existing gaps and guiding planning and implementation throughout the census process.

Madam Mululuma pledged UNFPA fullest commitment to continue providing critical support for the census.

“Inclusivity and citizens engagement are critical imperative the government is committed to achieving for the census,” said Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, as he addressed members of the mission. Mr. Gaima highlighted that because census is a national endeavor and an element of the state, the government is totally determined to engage citizens at all sectors in order to own and fully participate in the census processes. He concluded that he alongside the minister of planning, will make the finding known to His Excellency, The President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

In her closing statement, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barley, appreciated Stats SL and the assessment delegation for having fruitful engagements and productive findings. She registered the government’s complete commitment to providing resources for the census undertaking. She said that a special account dedicated to the census had been opened at the Bank of Sierra Leone where all monies meant for the census will be directed.  Minister Barley officially declared the mission’s work closed.

The assessment and support mission are among the several preparatory processes to help undertake a credible and successful digital census that will be nationally accepted and internationally accredited.