NE Accelerating data and statistics production and use in Africa for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

Accelerating data and statistics production and use in Africa for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

By Hamida Sheel,

Young African Statistician, Data analyst

Somali National Bureau of Statistics

Published on 17 May 2022

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Statistics is an important pillar in our society, but its importance only became more apparent to the larger society during the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic has also highlighted a number of issues within national statistics offices and national statistics systems.

In March 2022, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa organized the 8^th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank. This forum provided a platform to reflect on the current accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities for Africa to boost its journey towards the achievement of the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.

Several challenges were raised during the forum with regards to data and statistics. One of which was the failure of the traditional methods of collecting statistical data. During the COVID-19, many statistical offices were unable to conduct routine surveys, forcing some to shut their doors. This problem can be overcome by leveraging big data and technology.

Lack of collaboration between National Statistical Offices and other key stakeholders that produce official as well as non-official statistics has played a significant role in the demise of statistics production. As a result, the relationship between the private sector, academia, and unofficial data producers needs to be strengthened in order to harmonise and have an integrated statistical system.

This can be accomplished by establishing an institutional framework and maintaining constant communication between national statistics offices and the private and public sectors. To strengthen the quality of data production, analysis, and use of methodologies that meet international standards, there is a need to establish some legal frameworks that apply to all stakeholders.

When the pandemic struck, many developed countries were able to deal with the pandemic's negative shock due to a strong foundation of the statistical system, but Africa was not able to cope with the adverse shock. A reason for this was a lack of funding for African countries’ statistical systems. Governments must prioritize National Statistical Systems and regard them as an essential service. More funding should be allocated to National Stastiscal systems in order for them to persevere in the face of future potential adversities.

There is also a lack of association of young statisticians with National Statistical Systems. Young Statisticians’ involvement in statistics is fragmented and selective, while their capacity should be built. They must be involved in the directions given the continent’s statistical systems and play a role in adapted innovation and technological improvement.

National Statistics Offices should provide a conducive and competitive environment for young statisticians by involving them in the activities of the decision-making in statistical agencies. The conducive environment should include career paths as well.

In addition, collaboration has to be developed between tertiary institutions and statistical agencies to allow young statisticians to drive centres of excellence for statistical research, innovation, capacity building, data collection and analysis and providing insights for evidence-based policymaking.