A team of international experts from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA-HQ), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA),) and the United States Census Bureau (USCB) recently concluded a week-long assessment mission in Sierra Leone as part of support the country's preparations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census.

The mission, hosted by Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and the UNFPA Country Office in Sierra Leone, aimed to assess the country's readiness and technical capacity for the Census, provide recommendations for addressing any gaps, and identify technical assistance needs.

The mission assessed the technological infrastructure, equipment procurement and staff recruitment plans, stakeholder engagement, planning and management, mapping and sampling, questionnaire content, field operations, mobile data capture, data processing, analysis and dissemination.

Officially opening the assessment mission, the Minister for Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, stressed the importance of credible data for planning and resource management, calling the Census “the most important tool for planning.” She emphasized that the Census results would ensure equitable resource distribution and informed decision-making. Minister Barley highlighted the Government’s firm commitment to the 2025 Population and Housing Census, noting that Statutory Instrument No. 8 of 2024, which outlines the legal framework for the Census, was successfully laid before Parliament in August 2024 and on September 9, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio formally proclaimed the Census in accordance with the constitution.

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah described the Census as a “civic imperative” and thus ensuring citizen ownership of the Census was of critical importance. He noted that the Ministry of Information and Civic Education was mandated to lead publicity and public engagement for the Census and would in this regard initiate a nationwide campaign to promote ownership and ensure that people felt included in the process.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, noted that Censuses are fundamental to effective governance and sustainable development. Reaffirming the UN’s collective commitment to the Census, she underscored the need for all stakeholders to move forward with determination and a shared vision for a Census that will provide a solid foundation for the achievement of the country’s development aspirations, as articulated in the medium-term national development plan.

UNFPA Officer in Charge in Sierra Leone, Sibeso Mululuma, noted that the assessment marked a crucial step towards a successful and impactful Census that would provide accurate and reliable data to inform national development processes. She stated that UNFPA was privileged to have collaborated with UNECA and the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure a successful joint assessment mission, as part of ongoing support towards the Census process. She expressed confidence that the mission would lay a strong foundation for a successful Census.

Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making for effective governance, emphasizing the crucial role of relevant, timely statistics in this process. He highlighted the upcoming Census as a critical tool for collecting, processing, and disseminating reliable data to inform policy and development decisions.

Representatives from USAID and the World Bank expressed their full support for the Census. They emphasized its significance for shaping the country’s development trajectory and reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the Government and all stakeholders to ensure its success.

The assessment mission concluded with a series of recommendations to ensure a successful and inclusive Census, which were presented to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima and the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development. In his remarks, Dr Gaima highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring inclusivity and citizens’ engagement in the census. He emphasized that the census is a national priority, and the government aims to involve citizens across all sectors to promote ownership and participation. Dr. Gaima also confirmed that he and the Minister of Planning would relay the findings to His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

In her closing statement, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barley, expressed her appreciation to the assessment delegation for undertaking a productive assessment mission and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring a successful and inclusive census.