By Fatima Kpaka
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has launched an intensive week-long training program for 50 staff members from its Data Science and GIS teams. Held at Hotel 5/10 in Shell, Freetown, the initiative aims to enhance cartographic skills in preparation for the pilot mapping exercise for the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census.
Leadership Highlights Training’s Importance
Mr. Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council, opened the session by emphasizing the significance of the training. He described the pilot mapping as the foundation of the entire census process, determining staffing needs, tool efficiency, and resource allocation for the national exercise.
Director of Censuses and GIS, Mr. Abdulai Salia Brima, outlined the curriculum, which includes ArcGIS Pro, GeoAPP/EAPAD, and satellite imagery. He stressed that proficiency in these technologies would ensure accurate, real-time data collection—a fundamental aspect of a credible census.
A Census for All: Ensuring Full Participation
Statistician-General Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny reaffirmed Stats SL’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that the census belongs to every Sierra Leonean. He urged citizens to participate fully, calling the training a “career-defining chance” to influence national progress.
Traditional Leaders Offer Strong Support
Local authorities, including Paramount Chiefs Bai Bairoh Mabolleh Anshenni III (Mara Chiefdom), Sahr Ganawa (Kissi Teng Chiefdom), and Gachrie Bah (Dema Chiefdom), pledged their assistance in facilitating Stats SL’s fieldwork across the pilot mapping sites: Kissi Teng, Dema, and Mara Chiefdoms, as well as Freetown East 2.
Expert-Led Capacity Building
The training is being led by Dr. Foluke Adebayo, a UNFPA cartographic consultant, bringing global expertise to refine methodologies. The pilot exercise will evaluate tools, personnel, and workflows, identifying potential challenges before the full-scale census rollout.
The initiative marks a crucial step in ensuring comprehensive and precise population data, setting the stage for the success of the 2026 census.