By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
marking a significant milestone, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) as the institution celebrated African Statistics Day and officially launched the 2025 Census Pilot in Mattru Jong, Bonthe District.
Speaking at the launch ceremony for the Southern Region held at Momaligie Hall, Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kanneh emphasized the importance of the pilot census in strengthening the country’s data systems. He reminded participants that their selection was based on recommendations from district authorities and urged them to approach the training with diligence.
“If you fail, Statistics Sierra Leone will revert to the recommending authority,” he cautioned, highlighting the critical role enumerators play in ensuring data accuracy and quality.
At Rohda Hall on Bo Road, Mattru Jong, the Deputy Statistician General further underscored the relevance of statistics to national development, noting that accurate data is essential for planning, governance, and resource allocation.
This year’s African Statistics Day was commemorated under the theme:
“Leveraging Innovation in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Inclusive and Prosperous Society for Africans.”
According to Francis Sheku Cobba, Officer-in-Charge for Statistics Sierra Leone South, the theme calls on African countries to prioritize data innovation for inclusive and sustainable growth. He explained that African Statistics Day raises awareness about the central role of statistics in evidence-based decision-making and economic transformation, especially as modern data systems become increasingly necessary to respond to technological, demographic, and environmental changes.
During a stakeholder dialogue at Bishop J.K. Yambasu Memorial Hall in Bo, District Census Officer Madam Etta Hindowa highlighted how national statistical offices across Africa are adopting innovations in data collection, including satellite imagery, mobile surveys, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. She stressed that reliable data is essential for tracking progress on the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national development priorities.
Madam Hindowa also noted that despite significant progress, many African countries continue to face challenges, such as inadequate funding, outdated methodologies, limited technical capacity, and gaps in civil registration systems. She emphasized that the 2025 commemoration reinforces the need for greater investment in national statistical systems and stronger regional collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address, Francis Tommy, Director of the National Statistical System at Stats SL, reaffirmed the significance of African Statistics Day. He emphasized the growing importance of harnessing data and emerging technologies to address development challenges.
Mr. Tommy explained that the observance provides a platform to unite stakeholders, particularly those working on SDG Goal 16, to strengthen data systems that inform policy decisions and monitor progress. He also highlighted that a World Bank-funded regional initiative encourages organizations such as the African Union, African Development Bank, and UN Economic Commission for Africa to support member states in modernizing statistical systems, improving data governance, and expanding open-data access for public use.
Statistics Sierra Leone stated that the 2025 Census Pilot will help refine survey tools, strengthen enumerator capacity, and ensure a more efficient and effective national census process.
