As transparency and inclusivity remain the cornerstone of the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census (PHC), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully convened a key engagement session with members of the Census Technical Committee to discuss the processes and plans for the upcoming Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and cartographic mapping exercise.
The session was well attended by committee members representing various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), universities, research institutions, the National Commission for Persons Living with Disability (NCPLD), and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima—Director of Censuses and Geographic Information Systems and National Census Coordinator—outlined the purpose of the gathering. He emphasized the meeting’s role in sharing, reviewing, validating, and making informed technical inputs into the draft methodology and instruments for the 2026 Census, with particular focus on the pilot and national cartographic mapping phases. He reiterated that cartographic mapping forms the foundation for a successful enumeration, setting the stage for meaningful discussions and collaboration.
Chairman of the Stats SL Council, Mr. Moses Williams, expressed appreciation for the diverse expertise present within the Technical Committee. He emphasized the importance of member participation through constructive feedback and informed contributions, particularly on key subject areas such as agriculture, education, health, and tourism. Mr. Williams stressed that the census is a national, non-political exercise critical to evidence-based planning and development.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Statistician-General Mr. Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the 2026 Census preparations.
He detailed the significant support received from the Government of Sierra Leone, including a financial injection of 61 million new Leones (equivalent to $2.5 million), the procurement of 500 tablets for cartographic mapping, acquisition of ArcGIS Pro software and GeoApp/EADPAD, and investment in advanced satellite imagery, vehicles, and Starlink-powered internet infrastructure. Notably, he announced Stats SL’s plan to establish one of the most advanced Geo-Lab facilities in Africa.
Mr. Kanneh reaffirmed Stats SL’s unwavering commitment to a census process that is inclusive, participatory, and people-centered, recognizing PHC data as the backbone of national planning, monitoring, and development execution.
The session featured a detailed presentation by Dr. Foluke Adebayo, a cartographic expert and consultant from UNFPA. Her presentation outlined a comprehensive roadmap for a successful and error-free GIS and cartographic mapping exercise.
The engagement concluded with the Census Technical Committee’s review and finalization of plans and coordination frameworks for the pilot cartographic exercise. This included evaluating mapping tools, field protocols, and training manuals to ensure alignment and readiness for implementation.
©️ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐬 & 𝐏𝐑 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
