By Sallieu S. Kanu
FREETOWN — November 28, 2025: President Julius Maada Bio will today officially launch Sierra Leone’s 2026 Population and Housing Census, a landmark national exercise aimed at delivering credible and comprehensive data to guide development planning.
The announcement was made by Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer Andrew Bob Johnny at a news conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in Freetown. The launch event is expected to attract development partners, government officials, local authorities, political party representatives, civil society organizations, and the media.
Cartographic Mapping Exercise
Mr. Johnny confirmed the commencement of a nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, a critical preparatory step for the census. The process involves identifying and delineating enumeration areas, numbering localities, and mapping physical structures across the country to ensure that every individual and household is counted once and in the correct location.
“Mapping is a crucial step in the census process. It allows us to plan effectively, allocate resources equitably, and ensure that no one is left behind,” Mr. Johnny said. “The accuracy of the 2026 Census depends on the success of this very exercise.”
He emphasized that the census is not merely a statistical operation but a strategic tool for national development. Reliable data, he noted, will inform policies, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable resource distribution in sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and social protection.
UNFPA’s Support
Mr. Johnny acknowledged the technical support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in strengthening the credibility of the census.
UNFPA’s new representative in Sierra Leone, Kunle Adeniyi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting quality data collection.
He described the census as “the most massive and complex peacetime exercise” that ensures every individual and household is counted. “It stands at the baseline of development,” Adeniyi said. “Accurate data resets the foundation for government and partner interventions, ensuring that every activity is specific and impactful.”
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the 2026 Population and Housing Census, Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step toward strengthening evidence-based policymaking and inclusive national development. Officials stressed that the success of the exercise will depend on the cooperation of citizens and the continued support of international partners.