Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) officially launched the 2026 National Population and Housing Census at a high profile ceremony held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown, marking the start of nationwide preparations for one of the country’s largest data collection exercises.
The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic community. Officials described the census as a foundational step for evidence based policymaking, saying accurate and up to date population data will be essential for planning and resource allocation across sectors including education, health, infrastructure, and social services.
Stats SL emphasized that the 2026 Census will provide the demographic and housing information needed to inform national development strategies and public investment decisions. The agency highlighted the census’s role in identifying population trends, measuring service needs, and ensuring that communities are fairly represented in planning and budgeting processes.
Officials outlined the main phases of the census process: comprehensive mapping of enumeration areas, integration of digital technologies for data capture and management, recruitment and training of field personnel, and a clearly defined timeline leading up to the enumeration period. Technology integration will include testing of devices and data pipelines during pilot exercises to ensure reliability and data security in the field.
Authorities urged broad public cooperation, stressing that participation is a national duty and that full community involvement will ensure every household is counted. Stats SL announced plans to roll out public sensitization campaigns in the coming months, using radio, community meetings, and local leaders to reach remote and urban populations alike.
The launch underscored collaboration with government ministries, development partners, and civil society organizations to support logistics, outreach, and capacity building. Officials said coordinated efforts will be critical for recruiting and training enumerators, managing field operations, and maintaining quality control throughout the enumeration.
Government and development stakeholders at the event reiterated that reliable census data will underpin decisions on school construction, health service delivery, infrastructure investment, and social protection programs. Accurate population counts and housing information will also help target resources to underserved areas and measure progress toward national development goals.
With the launch complete, Stats SL will intensify preparations, finalizing the operational timeline, conducting pilot tests, and beginning nationwide sensitization activities. Communities are being asked to look out for information about the census and to cooperate with enumerators when the enumeration period begins.
The 2026 National Population and Housing Census represents a major national undertaking aimed at producing the evidence base needed to guide Sierra Leone’s development priorities and ensure that planning and resources reflect the country’s current demographic realities.
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