Stats-SL Capacitates Staff for its Cartographic Mapping Exercise

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), has officially launched a comprehensive seven-day training program for 50 staff members from its Data Science and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) divisions. These individuals will play a key role in the upcoming pilot cartographic mapping exercise—an essential preparatory step toward the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census. In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Stats SL Council, Mr. Moses Williams, urged participants to approach the training with focus and dedication. He emphasized the critical nature of the pilot exercise: “The pilot cartographic mapping you are about to embark on is the foundation for the main cartographic exercise. The outcome will inform key decisions, including the number of personnel to be recruited, the effectiveness of the mapping instruments, and the overall resources required for the main exercise.” Providing further context, Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, Director of Censuses and GIS and National Coordinator for the 2026 Census, highlighted the purpose of the training. He explained that it is designed to build participants’ capacity in utilizing modern GIS tools and mapping software, including ArcGIS Pro, GeoAPP/EAPAD, and satellite imagery. Also speaking at the event, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, reaffirmed Stats SL’s strong commitment to conducting an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative census: “This census is about the people. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure no one is left behind—even if it means laying on the ground to beg. Everyone must be seen, included, and encouraged to participate.” He further inspired the trainees by describing the training as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to advance professionally and contribute meaningfully to national development. The opening session was attended by traditional leaders, including Paramount Chief Bai Bairoh Mabolleh Anshenni III of Mara Chiefdom (Bombali District), and representatives of PC Sahr Ganawa (Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District) and PC Gachrie Bah (Dema Chiefdom, Bonthe District). These leaders pledged their full support and readiness to welcome Stats SL teams during the upcoming pilot fieldwork. The pilot cartographic mapping exercise will be conducted in four areas: Kissi Teng, Dema, and Mara Chiefdoms, as well as Freetown East The training is being facilitated by UNFPA-hired cartographic consultant, Dr. Foluke Adebayo, who brings extensive expertise and technical proficiency to the initiative. This pilot mapping exercise is a critical preparatory phase for the national cartographic operation. It provides an opportunity to test and evaluate tools, personnel, and methodologies in a real-world setting—ensuring usability, effectiveness, and overall readiness, while identifying potential challenges and estimating full resource needs for the nationwide mapping.