Advancing Africa’s Statistics Critical to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: ECA Director

Addis Ababa November 14/2024 (ENA)-Advanced statistical system is critical for Africa to achieve the African Union 2063 and United Nations 2030 sustainable development targets, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) African Centre for Statistics outgoing Director and Chief Statistician, Oliver Chinganya, underscored. 

In a blog published at the ECA website today, Chinganya stressed the critical role of robust statistical systems in Africa's quest for sustainable development.

As Africa strives to achieve these development pathways, the demand for high-quality, timely, and accessible data has reached unprecedented levels, he observed.

“Central to Africa's statistical development agenda is the enhancement of statistical capacity and infrastructure,” Chinganya noted. 

He stated that the statistical offices in Africa are facing challenges ranging from inadequate funding and outdated technological resources to a dearth of skilled personnel. 

For him: “Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach that encompasses both the modernization of statistical infrastructure and the bolstering of human capacity.” 

The AU, in collaboration with the ECA, emphasizes the need for comprehensive capacity-building strategies tailored to the unique demands of each member state.

But for Chinganya, “such strategies should prioritize the development of statistical infrastructure, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of contemporary data ecosystems.” 

The advent of digital technologies presents new possibilities for statistical data collection and analysis, the director noted, pointing out those mobile technologies, satellite imagery, and advanced computing methodologies have the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency, coverage, and accuracy of statistical operations. 

He suggested that integrating these technologies into Africa's statistical framework can mitigate traditional barriers to data collection, offering a cost-effective and timely approach to data acquisition. 

Another critical aspect is fostering a culture of data use and statistical literacy, adding that the utility of statistical data extends beyond national statistical offices to other actors, Chinganya pointed out, further underlining: “Cultivating a culture of data use and literacy is imperative for ensuring that statistical information effectively informs development policies, programs, and initiatives.”

Moreover, strengthening statistical legislation and governance is also vital for providing credible and trusted data because such frameworks ensure the independence and autonomy of national statistical offices, enhancing public trust in statistical outputs, he added. 

Noting that promoting regional and international collaboration is crucial for the complexities of statistical development in Africa, the director stated regional and international partnerships provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources, facilitating the harmonization of statistical methodologies and standards across the continent. 

The Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa, spearheaded by the AU and ECA, exemplifies this commitment to fostering collaboration among African nations, he noted. 

However, the ambitious SDG targets pose significant challenges for Afria's statistical systems. The monitoring and evaluation frameworks related with this agenda including the agenda 2063 require a broad range of indicators, necessitating the collection and analysis of vast quantities of data, he explained. 

Meeting these demands calls for innovative data collection methodologies, enhanced data integration and interoperability, and the development of indicators that are both relevant and adaptable to the African context. 

“Therefore, prioritization of the enhancement of statistical capacity and infrastructure, embracing technological innovations, fostering a culture of data use and literacy, strengthening statistical legislation and governance, and promoting regional and international collaboration is critical. It would allow Africa to lay the groundwork for a resilient and dynamic statistical system. Such a system is not only capable of meeting the current data demands but also adaptable to the evolving needs of sustainable development,” he stressed.  

As Africa continues to advance towards its development goals, the strategic priorities outlined herein provide a blueprint for harnessing the transformative power of statistics in driving progress and prosperity across the continent.