High-quality statistics key to measure national development goals in Africa

Abstract

High-quality statistics key to measure national development goals in Africa. High-quality statistics, the report says are required for evidence-based decision-making, and for monitoring and evaluating progress made towards the realization of international, regional and national development goals, plans and priorities, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Agenda 2063. The report aims to strategically guide and coordinate the work of national statistical systems in Africa. It indicates that low interest and demand may result in weak statistical institutions that have poor governance structures; inadequate staffing levels, infrastructure and tools; low human capacity of both data producers and users; and a lack of coordination and collaboration mechanisms within data systems. The ECA report shows that a roadmap on the transformation and modernization of official statistics in Africa is being finalized. It is structured around the pillars of transformation and modernization, and identifies the core elements of the transformation and modernization of official statistics. It highlights the short-term and medium-term activities that a country could undertake to create a modern national statistical system.