Sierra Leone Launches Preparations for 2026 Census

Sierra Leone Launches Preparations for 2026 Census

Sierra Leone has officially initiated preparations for the 2026 National Population and Housing Census, a pivotal undertaking aligned with the country’s long-term development strategy. The official launch ceremony, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown, convened key stakeholders, including senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, representing President Dr. Julius Maada Bio (who was attending regional duties in Guinea-Bissau as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government), formally launched the exercise. Dr. Sengeh characterized the census as a "radically inclusive" national imperative for effective planning of essential public services such as schools, roads, and health facilities. He strongly encouraged nationwide participation: "If you care about development of any form, please get counted. Leh den kont you oh!"

The 2026 Census is integral to the government's Medium Term National Development Plan, which articulates Sierra Leone's aspiration to achieve green and inclusive middle-income status by 2039. Chapter 5 of the plan, which addresses financing, partnerships, and risk management, explicitly identifies the census as a fundamental requirement for strengthening the statistical infrastructure necessary for sustained and effective national development.

During the event, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Kenyeh Ballay, underscored the critical role of reliable statistics in national advancement. She explained that accurate data facilitates more effective national planning, improved service delivery, and enhanced transparency. Minister Ballay added that accessible data, coupled with citizen-centric development efforts, optimally positions Sierra Leone to build the inclusive and prosperous future desired by all.

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) outlined the principal phases leading up to the 2026 enumeration. These encompass the detailed demarcation of enumeration areas, the recruitment and professional training of field personnel, and the integration of digital technologies for secure data capture and management. Pilot exercises are scheduled to rigorously test all digital devices and data systems to ensure operational reliability and security during the full field deployment.

Officials emphasized that the census is the central mechanism for collecting the demographic and housing data required for strategic resource allocation across key sectors: education, health, infrastructure, and social protection. Accurate population data will be essential for guiding school construction, supporting public health service delivery, informing infrastructure investment decisions, and identifying and serving underserved communities.

Comprehensive public sensitization campaigns are slated for nationwide rollout in the coming months, utilizing radio outreach, community engagement, and collaboration with local leadership. Authorities urged complete public cooperation, stressing that full national participation is paramount to ensuring an accurate count of every household.

The launch also highlighted collaborative efforts with government ministries, development organizations, and civil society partners. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was formally acknowledged for its support, and the government extended an invitation to additional partners for financial and technical contributions. Seven international observers currently in the country will continue to monitor preparatory activities and review the outcomes of ongoing pilot activities.

With the official launch concluded, Stats SL will now intensify mapping operations, finalize operational timelines, scale up training initiatives, and accelerate public awareness campaigns as the nation progresses towards the 2026 enumeration.

The 2026 National Population and Housing Census is designed to establish the robust data foundation necessary to guide planning, strengthen government accountability, and underpin Sierra Leone's ambition to attain middle-income status by 2039.