Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has secured a significant boost from the Government of Sierra Leone, receiving 61 million new Leones (approximately USD $2.5 million) to strengthen its technical and operational readiness for the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

The funding, which represents one of the largest early commitments for a census mapping operation in the country's history, is intended to bolster Stats SL's capacity in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography, and field infrastructure ahead of the decennial census.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Statistician-General, Mr. Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, during a high-level strategic engagement session with members of the Census Technical Committee. The session was convened to review and refine the financial and technical roadmap for the 2026 census mapping exercise.

Mr. Kanneh emphasized that the census process is not merely about counting people but also about gathering high-quality, geospatially accurate data to guide national planning, resource allocation, service delivery, and development policymaking. 'This investment demonstrates government's commitment to a credible, inclusive, and data-driven census,' he said.

He outlined key components already financed through the $2.5 million allocation, including the procurement of 500 digital tablets, ArcGIS Pro software licenses, GeoApp and EADPAD data collection tools, high-resolution satellite imagery, Starlink internet connectivity, and a fleet of field vehicles.

'These tools will transform how we conduct mapping and data collection, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas,' Mr. Kanneh said. 'Our goal is to ensure accuracy, inclusiveness, and transparency at every stage of the census.'

Importantly, Mr. Kanneh revealed that Stats SL is establishing one of the most advanced Geo-Lab facilities in Africa, which will serve as a national hub for geospatial data processing, analysis, and storage. The facility is expected to be a cornerstone of modern data management in Sierra Leone, with potential applications beyond the census, including in disaster response, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring.

The strategic session brought together stakeholders from across government and civil society, including representatives from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), academic institutions, research bodies, and advocacy groups such as the National Commission for Persons Living with Disability (NCPLD). Their role is to provide expert oversight and help validate the draft methodology for the upcoming GIS and cartographic operations.

The 2026 PHC will be the country's second fully digital census, building on lessons learned from the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census, which was the first of its kind in Sierra Leone but faced criticism from some quarters over planning and participation.

Stats SL appears determined to ensure that the next census meets international best practices for data quality, stakeholder engagement, and accountability. The process is expected to roll out in multiple phases, beginning with pilot mapping exercises later this year, followed by full-scale nationwide mapping and enumeration in 2026.

As Mr. Kanneh noted, 'Accurate data is the bedrock of national development. With this support and the systems we're putting in place, we are confident of delivering a census that every Sierra Leonean can trust.'