Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has commenced a week-long intensive training programme for 50 staff members from its Data Science and GIS teams.
Held at Hotel 5/10 at Shell, east of Freetown, the initiative equips participants with advanced cartographic skills ahead of the critical pilot mapping exercise for the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census.
Moses Williams, the Chairman of the Stats SL Council, opened the session by urging attendees to maximize the opportunity. “This pilot mapping is the bedrock of the entire census process,” he stated. “Its success will determine staffing needs, tool efficiency, and resource allocation for the national exercise.”
Abdulai Salia Brima, the Director of Censuses and GIS, outlined the curriculum, which focuses on cutting-edge tools like ArcGIS Pro, GeoAPP/EAPAD, and satellite imagery. “Mastery of these technologies ensures accurate, real-time data collection—a cornerstone of a credible census,” he added.
The Statistician-General, Andrew Bob Johnny, reinforced Stats SL’s dedication to inclusivity. “This census belongs to every Sierra Leonean,” he declared. “We will go to great lengths—even pleading on our knees—to ensure full participation. Everyone counts.” He called the training a “career-defining chance” to shape national progress.
The event saw strong backing from local authorities, including Paramount Chiefs Bai Bairoh Mabolleh Anshenni III (Mara Chiefdom), Sahr Ganawa (Kissi Teng Chiefdom), and Gachrie Bah (Dema Chiefdom). They vowed to facilitate Stats SL’s fieldwork in the pilot sites: Kissi Teng, Dema, and Mara Chiefdoms, plus Freetown East 2.
Dr Foluke Adebayo, a UNFPA cartographic consultant, is leading the training, bringing global expertise to refine methodologies.
The pilot will stress-test tools, personnel, and workflows, flagging challenges ahead of the nationwide rollout.