Sierra Leone Launches 2026 National Population and Housing Census

Sierra Leone Launches 2026 National Population and Housing Census
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) officially launched the 2026 National Population and Housing Census at a high profile ceremony held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown, marking the start of nationwide preparations for one of the country’s largest data collection exercises.
The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic community. Officials described the census as a foundational step for evidence based policymaking, saying accurate and up to date population data will be essential for planning and resource allocation across sectors including education, health, infrastructure, and social services.
Stats SL emphasized that the 2026 Census will provide the demographic and housing information needed to inform national development strategies and public investment decisions. The agency highlighted the census’s role in identifying population trends, measuring service needs, and ensuring that communities are fairly represented in planning and budgeting processes.
Officials outlined the main phases of the census process: comprehensive mapping of enumeration areas, integration of digital technologies for data capture and management, recruitment and training of field personnel, and a clearly defined timeline leading up to the enumeration period. Technology integration will include testing of devices and data pipelines during pilot exercises to ensure reliability and data security in the field.