Progress report on the transformation and modernization of national statistical systems in Africa

Abstract

Progress report on the transformation and modernization of national statistical systems in Africa. High-quality statistics 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 Africa We Want, of the African Union; and national development plans and priorities. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of African national statistical systems. During teleconferences of heads of national statistical offices organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to deliberate on the impact of COVID-19 on statistical activities, the Directors General of national statistical offices discussed mitigation measures to continue delivering the core mandate of statistical offices and concluded that there was an imperative need to transform and modernize national statistical systems on the continent.