As preparations have advanced considerably… Stats SL Clarifies

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has clarified on the level of their preparedness for the 2026 Population and Housing Census. Following His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s proclamation, Stats SL began preparations for a fully digital and professionally implemented census. In January 2025, experts from UNFPA, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa conducted an independent technical assessment to ensure the process meets international standards. The assessment found that while Stats SL has the capacity to conduct the census, additional time and technical support from partners would significantly strengthen the process. Based on these recommendations and by UN guidelines, the main enumeration has been rescheduled to December 2026, with a Pilot Census in December 2025.  Preparations have advanced considerably. Advisory, Technical, and Publicity Committees—comprising representatives from all political parties, civil society, traditional authorities, the media, and government institutions—are actively engaged. District Census Management Committees are operational in all districts to ensure local coordination and participation. A detailed Census Project Document covering methodology, budgeting, logistics, and communication strategies has been drafted and shared with international partners.  Cartographic mapping begins in July 2025, and Master Trainer training is already underway. Recruitment for key census roles was conducted through an open, online application process. Over 11,000 applications were received, and shortlisting and interviews are starting soon. The Government has committed $6.5 million toward the process in 2025, with ongoing support from UNFPA and other development partners. Stats SL reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and credible census. The census is a vital tool for national development, helping to determine the distribution of public services such as schools, hospitals, and roads, and should be embraced as a civic responsibility, not politicized. We encourage all Sierra Leoneans to support this critical national exercise and urge all to refrain from sowing unwarranted doubts or mistrust in the process. A successful census depends on everyone’s active participation and trust. Anyone with questions, suggestions, or concerns can contact Stats SL directly through our offices nationwide or visit www.statistics.sl. We welcome public engagement and are committed to listening, clarifying, and working together to make this census a truly inclusive process.