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As Sierra Leone prepares for the Population and Housing Census, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with UNFPA Sierra Leone, is hosting a team of technical experts from UNFPA New York, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United States Census Bureau on a weeklong assessment and support mission for the process, which will be held in December 2025.The mission, which started today and ends on Friday, will be a critical step in a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure a successful transition to a digital census.At the opening held at the New Broofields Hotel in Freetown this morning, the Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny said that efficient management of a country's economic and social affairs rests on evidence-based decision-making. He emphasised that generating relevant, accurate, and timely statistics is essential to that purpose, and producing detailed statistics for small areas and small population groups is its foundation. Therefore, he welcomed the team of experts, noting that at the end of the mission, the government and donor partners would have identified strengths and weaknesses for support.World Bank Country Manager Abdou Muwonge congratulated the Government on what he described as a key activity that will lay the groundwork for the 2025 census and noted that planning is essential.The UNFPA Deputy Rep (Officer-in-Charge) Sibeso Muluma said her agency is well grounded in the process but called on partners to join the process. Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana said the endeavour marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's journey toward understanding the evolving needs and aspirations of its diverse population." This census will help all stakeholders to identify gaps and opportunities, enabling a targeted approach to development that benefits all citizens," she said.The Resident Coordinator noted that collaboration is key in such a process as the assessment, which, according to her, is about identifying challenges and leveraging collective strengths and experiences.The RC concluded by reiterating the United Nations System's commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in undertaking a Census that meets international standards. The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr Chernor Bah, underscored the Government's support and commitment to a successful census. He said it is a civic imperative that the people should own, one that concerns our identity.In her keynote address, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenyeh Barlay said the Government is prepared to carry the burden of Africa and conduct a successful census. She said the legislative and legal frameworks are in place and that the Government has also committed financially to the process.UNECA and  the US Census Bureau made presentations highlighting the goals for supporting the census The mission's major focus is to review key census components, including logistics, technological infrastructure, legal frameworks, human resources, and stakeholder engagement. This will help identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement and support to ensure the 2025 census aligns with international best practices for digital data collection.