The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Statistics Sierra Leone, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently conducted a regional sensitization engagement in Waterloo to emphasize the importance of reliable population data in shaping Sierra Leone's development. This event was part of a seven-day nationwide outreach program that included earlier engagements in Kailahun, Kenema, Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, and Pujehun. Local authorities, traditional leaders, council representatives, and community stakeholders attended the event to build public understanding of the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census.
Officials stressed that the census is more than just a headcount, but a crucial tool for planning essential services. Mrs. M'balu Kamara, Director of the Rural Development Directorate at MoPED, noted that just as a household must know how many people it feeds, the government needs accurate figures to plan effectively. Mr. Alpha Bangura, Director of the Public Investment Management Directorate, explained that population statistics directly influence the national budget, helping the government determine where to build schools, hospitals, and roads.
The census will be conducted as a de facto census, meaning individuals will be counted where they spend the night of December 1, 2026, rather than at their usual residence. Enumeration will officially begin on December 2 and run for 14 days. To execute this massive logistical operation, the government is training more than 30,000 personnel across 77 locations nationwide. The data collected will cover demographics, housing conditions, access to basic services, and information on vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
To ensure maximum participation, a community mobilization strategy has been outlined. Local councils, religious institutions, youth groups, and the media will use community meetings, radio jingles, and public-address systems to spread awareness until the sensitization phase ends on November 28. Mr. Sylvester Makavorie, Senior Programme Officer at MoPED, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the census process.
The initiative is receiving strong international backing, with funding including approximately €7 million under the Financial Cooperation window and €2 million under the ECOWAS Direct Investment sub-window. Mr. John Baimba Sesay, Communication Lead at UNFPA, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in the census process.
The Waterloo engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where residents sought clarity on how to count individuals spending Census Night away from home and how their personal data will be protected. The sensitization phase aims to educate the public on the importance of accurate population data and the role they play in shaping Sierra Leone's development.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census is a critical exercise that will provide valuable insights into Sierra Leone's population, housing conditions, and access to basic services. The data collected will inform development planning, policy formulation, and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to the country's sustainable development and growth.
Key points
- The government is training over 30,000 personnel to conduct the census across 77 locations nationwide.
- The census data will cover demographics, housing conditions, access to basic services, and information on vulnerable groups.
- The initiative has received approximately €9 million in funding from international partners.
