The budget for Sierra Leone's 2026 Population and Housing Census has undergone a significant revision, increasing from an initial estimate of $7 million to nearly $60 million. This update was provided by Andrew Bob Johnny, an official from Statistics Sierra Leone, during an event marking the 50-day countdown to the census. The event, held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, was organised by Statistics Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to Johnny, the initial budget was prepared before the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, which helped establish the scale of the census and determine the resources required to carry out field operations. The revised budget now covers the entire census process, including enumeration, data collection, and the dissemination of results. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the successful implementation of the national exercise.
Funding for the census is expected to come from a combination of sources, including the Government of Sierra Leone, international development partners, donors, and private-sector contributions. The 50-day countdown event highlighted ongoing preparations for the census and emphasised the need to raise public awareness and encourage widespread participation. This will be crucial in supporting the successful implementation of the national exercise.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census is a significant national exercise that aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of Sierra Leone's population, housing, and socio-economic characteristics. The census will provide valuable data for policymakers, researchers, and development partners, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and development planning.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone and the UNFPA, is working to raise public awareness about the census and encourage citizens to participate. This includes educating the public about the importance of the census, the benefits of participation, and the measures in place to ensure data confidentiality and security.
Andrew Bob Johnny and other officials have stressed the importance of a successful census, highlighting its potential to inform development planning, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall well-being of Sierra Leone's citizens. With the revised budget in place, preparations for the census are now underway, and stakeholders are working to ensure a successful and inclusive national exercise.
The successful implementation of the 2026 Population and Housing Census will require the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders, including citizens, government agencies, development partners, and private-sector organisations. By working together, Sierra Leone can ensure that the census provides accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data that will inform development planning and improve the lives of its citizens.
Key points
- The budget for Sierra Leone's 2026 Population and Housing Census has increased from $7 million to nearly $60 million.
- The revised budget covers the entire census process, including enumeration, data collection, and dissemination of results.
- Funding for the census is expected to come from the Government of Sierra Leone, international development partners, donors, and private-sector contributions.
