The 2026 census in Sierra Leone faces a significant funding gap of $19 million, according to Samuel Ansumana, director of communications at Statistics Sierra Leone. The total budget for the exercise has increased to over $46 million, with the government being the largest contributor. Ansumana disclosed this information during a media engagement in Freetown on October 29, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Statistics Sierra Leone, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.
The media engagement aimed to improve transparency around preparations for the December count and to seek media support in educating the public about the census. Information Minister Chernor Bah urged reporters to treat public education as part of their responsibility, emphasizing that accurate reporting would help build confidence and address misconceptions. The Ministry’s Strategic Communications Adviser, Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, discussed the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
According to reports, the census budget increased from $37.9 million to over $46 million due to inflation, expanded logistical needs, and additional technology requirements. The government has contributed $15 million, while development partners have pledged a combined $1.535 million. However, figures published in separate reports raise questions about how the remaining funding requirement is being calculated. Statistics Sierra Leone has not provided a publicly reconciled breakdown.
The media engagements also focused on the role of journalists in explaining the census and countering false information ahead of the exercise. Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Secretary-General Edward Marah pledged the association’s support in addressing misinformation and helping the public access reliable information. The engagements were held in Freetown and Makeni on October 31.
Census Night is scheduled for December 1, with nationwide enumeration beginning on December 2. The United Nations Population Fund says the exercise is planned to run from December 2 to December 16. The census will use digital data collection, with 25,000 electronic tablets procured for field operations. The population count is expected to provide information for national planning, including decisions on public services and the distribution of resources.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with census officials and seek clarification from Statistics Sierra Leone or the Ministry of Information when they encounter uncertain claims. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Statistics Sierra Leone, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists are working together to ensure a successful census.
The 2026 census is a critical exercise for Sierra Leone, and the government is seeking the support of the media and the public to ensure its success. With the funding gap still a challenge, the government and its partners must work together to ensure that the census is completed accurately and efficiently.
Key points
- The 2026 census in Sierra Leone faces a $19 million funding gap.
- The government is seeking media support for public education and awareness about the census.
- The census is expected to provide critical information for national planning and decision-making.
