Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has launched a week-long intensive training program for 50 staff members from its Data Science and GIS units. The training, held at Hotel 5/10 in Shell, Freetown, is a critical step toward the upcoming 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census, equipping participants with advanced cartographic skills for the pilot mapping exercise.
Opening the session, Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council, emphasized the strategic importance of the exercise. “This pilot mapping is the bedrock of the entire census process,” he said. “Its success will inform staffing requirements, tool effectiveness, and resource allocation for the national rollout.”
Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, Director of Censuses and GIS, elaborated on the training curriculum. Participants will be trained on state-of-the-art tools such as ArcGIS Pro, GeoApp/EAPAD, and satellite imagery analysis. “Mastering these technologies is essential to ensuring accurate, real-time data collection one of the key pillars of a credible census,” he stated.
Statistician-General Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny underscored Stats SL’s commitment to nationwide inclusivity. “This census belongs to every Sierra Leonean,” he affirmed. “We are ready to go the extra mile even kneel if necessary to ensure that everyone participates. Every individual must be counted.” He described the training as a “career-defining opportunity” for participants to contribute to national development.
The event drew strong backing from traditional authorities, including Paramount Chiefs Bai Bairoh Mabolleh Anshenni III (Mara Chiefdom), Sahr Ganawa (Kissi Teng Chiefdom), and Gachrie Bah (Dema Chiefdom). These leaders pledged full support for Stats SL’s work in the pilot areas: Kissi Teng, Dema, and Mara Chiefdoms, as well as Freetown East 2.
The training is being facilitated by Dr. Foluke Adebayo, a cartographic consultant from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Dr. Adebayo brings global expertise to enhance local methodologies. The pilot mapping exercise is designed to rigorously test tools, personnel, and workflows, identifying any challenges before the full-scale census rollout.
With national and international collaboration, as well as strong local engagement, Stats SL’s training initiative marks a key milestone in preparing for one of Sierra Leone’s most significant data collection exercises in the coming decade.