By Justine Akakulubelwa
Government says it is committed to strengthening the national statistical system and closing persistent data gaps to support evidence-based decision-making.
Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration PRUDENCE KAOMA said this in a speech read on her behalf by Director of Population and Development PAMELA KAUSENI.
This was during the handover of tablets and solar power banks used in the 2022 Census to the Ministries of Health, Education, and Home Affairs and Internal Security in Lusaka.
Ms. KAOMA said the devices will strengthen digital data collection, management and other statistical operations, while improving the quality, timeliness and efficiency of administrative data.
She, however, said equipment alone is not enough and must be supported by investment in human capacity, infrastructure, maintenance and data governance.
And United Nations Population Fund –UNFPA- Country Representative SETH BROEKMAN said the 15,000 tablets used in the 2022 Census have opened a new chapter in digital public service delivery and evidence-based planning.
Mr. BROEKMAN said the devices will help strengthen health data and disease surveillance, improve education programmes, and modernise civil registration and victim support services.
Meanwhile, Zambia Statistics Agency –ZAMSTATS- Statistician General SHEILA MUDENDA said the institution will continue strengthening collaboration across the national statistical system.
Ms. MUDENDA said Zambia is preparing to host the 66th International Statistical Institute World Statistics Congress in Lusaka from 11th to 15th July 2027.
She said the congress is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates.
