Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially confirmed that the country’s next Population and Housing Census will be conducted in December 2026, following a comprehensive technical assessment and the endorsement of President Julius Maada Bio.
In a public notice issued on May 20, Stats SL assured citizens that preparations are well underway for what is expected to be a fully digital, inclusive, and internationally benchmarked census. A pilot census is scheduled for December 2025, serving as a critical test run ahead of the national enumeration the following year.
The announcement comes after a high-level assessment in January 2025 by experts from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the U.S. Census Bureau, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The experts confirmed that while Stats SL has the institutional capacity to conduct the census, a longer preparation period would allow for more effective implementation and technical support.
To this end, Stats SL has activated a robust governance structure for the census, including Advisory, Technical, and Publicity Committees that incorporate stakeholders from political parties, civil society, media, traditional leaders, and government agencies. District Census Management Committees are already operational nationwide to oversee local-level coordination and citizen engagement.
Cartographic mapping—a crucial step for accurate data collection—is set to commence in July 2025. Recruitment for various technical and field roles has already begun, with over 11,000 applications received through an open online platform. Interviews and shortlisting are currently ongoing.
In terms of financing, the Government of Sierra Leone has allocated $6.5 million for census activities in 2025. Continued technical and financial backing is also being provided by UNFPA and other international partners.
Stats SL emphasized that a credible census is essential for national development, informing decisions on the allocation of resources such as schools, hospitals, roads, and public services. The agency called on all Sierra Leoneans to embrace the census as a civic duty rather than a political issue.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a transparent and inclusive census. A successful outcome requires public trust and participation,” the notice stated.
For further information, Stats SL encouraged citizens to visit its website at www.statistics.sl or reach out to local offices across the country.
The census will play a pivotal role in shaping Sierra Leone’s future—and Stats SL is urging every citizen to be part of that journey.
By June Abraham
