The National Institute of Statistics (INS) of Guinea launched a sensitization campaign in Kindia on October 5, 2026, ahead of the country's first general census of enterprises. The ceremony was attended by administrative authorities, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, economic operators, industrialists, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders. The goal is to mobilize local actors for this national statistical operation, which seeks to create an exhaustive registry of formal and informal enterprises operating in Guinea.

The campaign's launch in Kindia was welcomed by Moro Diallo, secretary general of the prefecture, who spoke on behalf of the prefect. He highlighted Kindia's strategic location and the importance of reliable statistics for supporting public development policies. Diallo emphasized that development is only possible with accurate statistics and reaffirmed the prefectural authorities' commitment to supporting the INS and other stakeholders involved in the operation.

According to Alkaly Soumal, head of the INS's communication and public relations service, the census is a government-led initiative through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, implemented by the INS. Teams will be deployed nationwide to sensitize local authorities, major traders, economic operators, and private sector actors. Soumal assured economic operators that the operation is non-fiscal, aiming solely to identify and geolocate existing enterprises in Guinea.

The data collected during the census will be confidential and protected by law, with results published anonymously. The INS is urging entrepreneurs, traders, industrialists, and formal and informal business leaders to welcome census agents and provide reliable information about their activities. This operation will enable public authorities and development partners to better understand the national economic fabric and tailor support policies to businesses' actual needs.

The census aims to establish a comprehensive registry of enterprises, including both formal and informal businesses. By doing so, it will provide valuable insights into Guinea's economic landscape, helping policymakers and development partners make informed decisions. The INS's efforts to engage local actors and ensure the accuracy of the data collected will be crucial to the success of this initiative.

The launch of the sensitization campaign in Kindia marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of the census. Local authorities, economic operators, and other stakeholders are expected to play a vital role in disseminating information and encouraging participation. By working together, Guinea can develop a more accurate understanding of its economic sector and create a solid foundation for future growth and development.

As the INS continues its sensitization campaign, it is essential for all stakeholders to collaborate and provide support. The success of the census will depend on the active participation of economic operators, entrepreneurs, and other actors. By contributing to this effort, they will help shape the future of Guinea's economic development and ensure that policies and strategies are tailored to the needs of its businesses and industries.

Key points

  • The INS aims to establish a comprehensive registry of formal and informal enterprises operating in Guinea.
  • The census is a non-fiscal operation, focusing on identifying and geolocalizing existing enterprises.
  • The data collected will be confidential and protected by law, with results published anonymously.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.