By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Statistics Sierra Leone has announced the key timeline for the 2026 Housing and Population Census. In a press statement on Wednesday, the data body gave a detailed account of activities that will happen between now and December 2026 when the Deceinnal Census will be held.
As part of the update, Statistics announced that: “Cartographic mapping begins in July 2025, and Master Trainer training is already underway.”
Recruitment process for Cartographers has been ongoing, with 11,000 applications received so far.
While this is ongoing, the Statistics body has also formed statutory bodies like Technical Committee, Advisory Committee, Publicity Committee and District Census Committees.
“In October 2024, a few weeks after the proclamation of the Census by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) initiated the process of establishing the census administrative and organizational machinery, as mandated by law,” the statement noted.
The composition of these committees range from members of political parties, to CSOs, journalists and key government institutions.
As part of this timeline, a pilot census will be held in December this year, to prepare for the actual census 12 months in advance. Statistics Sierra Leone has updated the public on every step so far and said it is committed to engage further to continue to maintain trust in the institution.
“Our goal is to listen, engage, and address concerns constructively, while upholding the integrity and nonpartisan nature of the census. We invite all stakeholders, communities, and individuals to share their perspectives and actively participate in this important national effort,” the statement concluded.
