Tower Hill–Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has taken an important step toward undertaking a fully digital 2026 Population and Housing Census with the official distribution of 25,000 branded tablets, power banks and protective cases. The new consignment, which was officially received on 7 October 2026, will support the national enumeration envisaged for December 2026.
The 25,000 devices add to an earlier batch of 4,000 tablets Stats SL received in 2025 for the cartographic mapping exercise, significantly boosting the agency’s technical capacity as preparations for the main census operation gather momentum. The Government of Sierra Leone fully funded the procurement, underscoring its commitment to providing the resources needed for a successful, modern census.
Stats SL says the tablets will be the main platform to collect electronic data during the enumeration in December. Field personnel will use the devices to collect, validate, and transmit census data directly from homes and communities. The move to digital data collection is intended to increase operational efficiency, improve accuracy and speed up the availability of results by eliminating the need for paper questionnaires and manual data entry.
The tablets include built-in validation checks and automated quality-control features that are expected to reduce common enumeration errors and make it easier for field personnel and supervisors to spot and correct inconsistencies in real time. The digital approach should also simplify data management, reduce backlogs in data processing, and support the timely release of high-quality, reliable statistics for planning and policymaking.
At the official reception, senior census officials said the equipment’s arrival was a major operational milestone. “The devices will play a critical role in the upcoming enumeration and strengthening of the national statistical system,” said Dr Colins Opiyo, Chief Technical Adviser for the 2026 Census, Samuel Ansumana, Director of Communication and Public Relations and Moses Johnson, Officer-in-Charge of Operations and Logistics.
Stats SL reiterated its commitment to undertake a credible, accurate, reliable and inclusive 2026 Population and Housing Census that reflects the realities of Sierra Leonean people and communities. The agency is also continuing to improve its systems, processes, and technical preparations, including training, logistics, supervision, and data-quality assurance, to ensure the census meets recognised standards of integrity and produces information to guide national planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Finally, Stats SL appealed to the public to support the census by providing accurate information, cooperating with census personnel, and ensuring every household and person is counted. The agency said the success of the 2026 Census depends on the active participation and cooperation of everyone in the country.
