In a significant step towards ensuring the success of the upcoming 2025 Sierra Leone Population and Housing Census (SLPHC-2025), a high-level delegation from the United States Census Bureau (USCB), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has commenced a critical assessment and support mission.
The initiative began on January 13, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown and will conclude on January 17, 2025. The mission aims to evaluate Statistics Sierra Leone’s (Stats SL’s) readiness and capacity to conduct a comprehensive and accurate census.
The delegation consists of a team of technical experts, including Derek Azar, Senior Advisor from the USCB; Dr Mitali Sen, Chief of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Branch, USCB; Sarveswara R. Surumpudi, Chief of Methodology and Software Development Branch, USCB; Tapiwa Jhamba, Program and Technical Adviser from UNFPA; Donatien Beguy, Population Data Adviser, UNFPA; William Muhawava, Chief of Population and Youth at UNECA; and Molla Hunegwan Asmare, Statistician from UNECA. During their visit, the experts will focus on critical components essential for the census, such as logistics, resource mobilization, technological infrastructure, legal frameworks, human resources, and stakeholder engagement.
This thorough examination is designed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement to align the census process with international best practices, particularly in the realm of digital data collection. The Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, officially welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the mission’s importance. He articulated that the outcomes of this assessment would be instrumental in enhancing Stats SL’s preparedness for the census.
“We are delighted to host you. Your mission here is a very critical moment for us, as it will help determine our strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement,” Mr. Johnny stated. Sibeso Mululuma, Officer-in-charge for UNFPA Sierra Leone, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the government in executing a groundbreaking census that adheres to international standards. The representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Paul McDermott and Seraphine Wakana, respectively, highlighted the significance of the census in identifying societal gaps and opportunities, thereby enhancing development, governance, health, and education, and addressing inequalities. Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to the census process, emphasizing the need for collaboration and engagement at all societal levels. The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, reiterated that a reliable census is crucial for effective resource planning and decision-making.
“Census determines the country’s future. It is needed to help shape the country’s development plans, policies, and decision-making processes,” she stated, officially declaring the mission’s work open. This collaborative effort marks a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone as it prepares for a census that will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future development and policymaking.
