By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S.
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially announced a postponement of the Decennial Population and Housing Census, now scheduled for December 2026, instead of the previously planned December 2025 timeline.
This decision comes on the recommendations of a Census Assessment Mission that involved technical experts from the U.S. Census Bureau, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) based in New York, who conducted a visit to Sierra Leone in January 2025. Following a two-day engagement with the Census Advisory and Technical Committees on March 13th and 14th, 2025, at the New Brookfield Hotel, Stats SL revealed the new schedule to ensure critical milestones in the census process are adequately met.
Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh highlighted the complexity and scale of the census, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation. “The census is an expensive, expansive, elaborate, and complex national endeavor; its success, acceptance, and useful nature depend on our collaborative efforts in a timely and inclusive manner,” he stated. Kanneh also reiterated the significance of census data for national and international development planning, referencing the Medium-National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Africa Agenda 2030.
Although President Julius Maada Bio initially announced that the census would occur from December 2nd to 15th, 2025, the assessment by international experts highlighted the critical need for additional preparatory time.
The Census Advisory and Technical Committees have expressed their support for the revised schedule, commending Stats SL for its transparency and dedication to conducting a credible census. They reaffirmed their commitment to assisting in the successful execution of the 2026 census.
The upcoming Decennial Population and Housing Census will incorporate advanced technologies, including Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), to improve data accuracy and efficiency. The government, alongside international partners, is dedicated to providing the necessary financial and logistical resources to ensure the success of this vital national exercise.
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