Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially announced significant progress and adjustments in preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, describing the exercise as “a vital tool for national development” that should be embraced by all citizens.
In a public notice issued Monday, Stats SL confirmed that following President Julius Maada Bio’s proclamation, preparations for a fully digital and professionally executed census are well underway.
The institution revealed that an independent technical assessment conducted in January 2025 by experts from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the U.S. Census Bureau, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, affirmed the country’s readiness but advised on a few critical adjustments.
“The technical review concluded that Stats SL has the capacity to undertake the census,” the notice stated, “but also highlighted that additional time and technical support from partners would significantly enhance the overall process.”
As a result, and in line with UN recommendations, Stats SL has rescheduled the main enumeration to December 2026. A pilot census will be conducted a year earlier, in December 2025.
“Preparations have progressed considerably,” said a Stats SL spokesperson. “We’ve established Advisory, Technical, and Publicity Committees involving political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, the media, and government bodies to ensure broad-based inclusion.”
Stats SL also reported that District Census Management Committees are now active across all districts, with local coordination mechanisms in full operation. A detailed Census Project Document—covering everything from methodology and logistics to budgeting and public communication—has been shared with international development partners.
According to the agency, cartographic mapping is set to begin in July 2025, while training for Master Trainers is already underway. In addition, more than 11,000 applications were received during the open online recruitment for key census roles, with shortlisting and interviews scheduled to commence soon.
“The Government of Sierra Leone has committed $6.5 million for the 2025 phase of the census,” the notice added, noting that UNFPA and other development partners continue to provide technical and financial support.
Stats SL emphasized the importance of national unity and public confidence in the exercise. “We urge all Sierra Leoneans to support this critical national effort and to avoid sowing unwarranted doubts or mistrust,” the institution stated . “A successful census depends on everyone’s active participation and trust.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusion, and credibility throughout the process and invited the public to engage through its offices nationwide or via [www.statistics.sl](http://www.statistics.sl).
“We are listening,” Stats SL assured. “This census belongs to every Sierra Leonean, and together we will make it count.”
