The National Institute of Statistics (INS) of Guinea kicked off an information and awareness campaign in Kindia on October 5, 2026, ahead of the country's first General Census of Enterprises (RGE). The event brought together administrative authorities, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, economic operators, industrialists, and small and medium-sized enterprise leaders. This meeting aims to mobilize local actors for a nationwide statistical operation that seeks to create a comprehensive registry of formal and informal enterprises operating in Guinea.
The campaign's launch in Kindia was welcomed by local authorities, who highlighted the prefecture's strategic position as a significant economic hub. The prefecture's secretary general, Moro Diallo, speaking on behalf of the prefect, emphasized the importance of reliable data in public policy-making. He stated that development is only possible with accurate statistics and that policies must be built on a precise understanding of the country's economic reality. Diallo also reaffirmed the prefectural authorities' commitment to supporting the INS and other stakeholders in this operation.
The INS detailed the census operation and sought to alleviate concerns about its purpose. According to Alkaly Soumal, the head of the INS's communication and public relations service, the exercise is led by the Guinean government through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and implemented by the INS. Teams will be deployed nationwide to sensitize local authorities, major traders, economic operators, and other private sector actors. Soumal stressed that the operation is non-fiscal, aiming solely to identify and geolocate existing enterprises in Guinea.
Soumal also guaranteed the confidentiality of collected data, protected by law, and assured that results will be published anonymously, without identifying individual enterprises. He encouraged entrepreneurs, traders, industrialists, and enterprise leaders to cooperate with census agents and provide reliable information about their activities. The INS emphasized that data quality depends largely on the cooperation of economic actors.
The General Census of Enterprises aims to provide a comprehensive registry of all enterprises operating in Guinea, including formal and informal ones. This operation will enable public authorities and development partners to better understand the national economic landscape and tailor support policies to meet the real needs of enterprises. The INS's initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the country's economic development.
Local stakeholders have a crucial role to play in the success of this operation. Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, industrialists, and economic operators present at the ceremony were urged to disseminate the campaign's messages to other sector actors, ensuring that the information reaches a wide audience. By working together, the INS and local stakeholders can ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data.
The awareness campaign marks the beginning of a critical process for Guinea's economic development. As the country prepares to undertake its first General Census of Enterprises, the INS is counting on the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of this ambitious project. The outcome of this operation will provide valuable insights into Guinea's economic fabric and inform policies aimed at promoting sustainable growth and development.
Key points
- The INS aims to create a comprehensive registry of formal and informal enterprises operating in Guinea.
- The census operation is non-fiscal and seeks to identify and geolocate existing enterprises in Guinea.
- The INS guarantees the confidentiality of collected data, protected by law, and will publish results anonymously.
