Stats SL Briefs Ministry of Planning and Economic Development on 2026 Population and Housing Census Updates

Ministry of Planning and Economic Development
Tower Hill, Freetown*
21 July 2025

In a high-level coordination meeting held on 21st July 2025, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) provided a comprehensive update to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development on the progress of the implementation of the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

Meeting Attendees

• Ms. Kenyeh Barlay – Minister of Planning and Economic Development
• Mr. Andrew Bob Jonny – Statistician-General, Stats SL
• Mr. Edouard Talan – Chief Technical Adviser
• Mr. Samuel T. Ansumana – Director of Communications and Public Relations, Stats SL
• Mr. Ambrose James – Development Secretary
• Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima – Director of Censuses and Geographic Information Systems, Stats SL
• Mr. Alfred Kamanda – Director of Finance, Stats SL

Purpose of the Meeting

This monthly engagement aims to:

• Share progress updates and key achievements
• Highlight ongoing activities
• Identify emerging challenges and risks
• Support timely and informed decision-making by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and key stakeholders

Key Updates from the Statistician-General, Mr. Andrew Bob Jonny

In his presentation, the Statistician-General shared the following key updates:

1. Legal Framework and Management

• A Presidential Proclamation has been issued.
• Advisory, technical, and district census committees have been established and are fully operational.

1. Readiness Assessment and Technical Assistance

• A national readiness assessment was conducted in January 2025, with support from UNFPA, UNECA, and the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB).
• Two international experts were recruited: a Chief Technical Adviser and a Cartographic Mapping Consultant.

1. Cartographic Mapping

• A pilot mapping exercise covered 217 Enumeration Areas (EAs).
• Training and fieldwork for full cartographic mapping are scheduled for June–July 2025.

1. Pilot Census

• A pilot census is scheduled for December 2025 to test tools and operational procedures.
• Preparations are ongoing, including finalization of tools, staff recruitment, and stakeholder engagement.

1. Engagement with Development Partners and Donors

• Several meetings have been held to mobilize both technical and financial support from development partners.

1. Publicity and Community Engagement

• A draft Communications and Public Relations strategy has been developed.
• Community engagement activities are planned for August 2025.
• The official launch of the 2026 PHC is scheduled for December 2025.

7 Logistics and Funding

• Procurement plans have been approved.
• However, funding gaps remain. Continued support from both government and development partners is essential to meet operational requirements.

Remarks by the Minister

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, expressed appreciation for the detailed briefing and commended Stats SL for the progress achieved—particularly in establishing administrative structures and successfully piloting cartographic mapping.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the successful implementation of the 2026 PHC and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among Stats SL, development partners, and national stakeholders to address outstanding funding and logistical needs.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a strong call for sustained government and development partner engagement to ensure the successful execution of the 2026 Population and Housing Census. The Ministry acknowledged the progress made and encouraged continued collaboration among all stakeholders moving forward.

©️ Stats SL Comms & PR Unit