Sierra Leone has officially begun a 50-day countdown to the 2026 Population and Housing Census. Statistics Sierra Leone set Census Night for 1 December 2026, marking the start of the national enumeration process. Andrew Bob Johnny, the Statistics Sierra Leone Statistician General, emphasized the necessity of collective engagement during this period. "A successful census depends on both technical preparation and public cooperation," Andrew Bob Johnny said. The national data collection initiative aims to provide accurate demographic information to support planning and development across the country.
Digital Enumeration Strategy Details
Nationwide enumeration for the census will begin on 2 December 2026. This process follows the official Census Night declaration and serves as the primary phase for gathering demographic data across Sierra Leone. Field staff will utilize electronic equipment to record household information throughout the country.
Statistics Sierra Leone has procured 25,000 electronic tablets to facilitate these field operations. These devices are intended to replace traditional paper-based collection methods to ensure data accuracy and efficiency during the national count. Each tablet will be deployed to enumerators tasked with visiting households to document residents. The government expects these digital tools to streamline the transmission of information from the field to central processing databases.
Preparation and Pilot Testing
Statistics Sierra Leone conducted a Mock Census in July 2026 to evaluate operational procedures and technical readiness ahead of the national enumeration. This exercise tested the digital systems and field deployment strategies necessary for the upcoming count. The testing phase allowed officials to refine logistics and ensure that enumerators were prepared for the full-scale data collection process starting in December.
The census receives support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the governments of Iceland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. These partners provide the technical and financial resources required to execute the digital strategy on a national scale. Sibeso Mululuma, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Deputy Representative, stated, "High-quality population data is paramount. It provides the empirical foundation necessary to design targeted policies and programmes, ensuring assistance reaches the most vulnerable demographics and that no individual is left behind."
The collaboration between these international entities and Statistics Sierra Leone focuses on building a reliable demographic database for the country. By utilizing the experience gained during the July testing period, the organization aims to maintain data integrity across all administrative regions. The project remains a priority for the participating governments as they work to improve the accuracy of national statistics.
