Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully completed its nationwide cartographic mapping exercise for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census. This significant achievement marks a key milestone in the country's preparations for the full data collection effort. The successful completion of the exercise shows a commitment to ensuring an accurate and reliable census. The nationwide cartographic mapping process, which began in October 2025, involved systematically delineating enumeration areas and updating geographical information key for accurate data collection. This foundational work ensures full coverage of the entire nation and enhances the reliability of the demographic and housing data to be collected, providing a strong framework for the subsequent enumeration phases.
Symbolic Culmination Event
The cartographic mapping exercise culminated in the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station, Freetown, on June 19, 2026. This high-profile event was attended by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside the First Lady of Sierra Leone. Senior government officials were also present, demonstrating the national importance of the initiative. Representatives of the media were on hand to document the occasion, ensuring broad public awareness. Key stakeholders included the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the GIS and Cartographic Mapping Consultant, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for the Census, and members of the management and staff of Statistics Sierra Leone, all noting the collaborative effort behind this extensive undertaking.
Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, updated President Bio on the significant progress made in the census preparations thus far. Following this, the Cartographic Mapping Consultant, Dr. Foluke Adebayo, delivered a detailed presentation on the mapping process, meticulously outlining the methodologies employed throughout the nationwide exercise. President Bio, speaking at the event, stated, "This morning, Statistics Sierra Leone officially mapped the Presidential Lodge, marking the final step in our nationwide cartographic mapping process that began in October 2025. This will guide the conduct of a credible and accurate census in 2026, providing data to directly inform our future development planning and contribute to the progress and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans."
Census Preparation Context
The cartographic mapping exercise constitutes a critical component of census preparation, designed to ensure that all structures and households across Sierra Leone are accurately identified and assigned to specific Enumeration Areas (EAs) prior to the main population count. This careful process establishes the fundamental framework for the primary enumeration phase by guaranteeing the precise delineation of EAs and full coverage of all residential units and other structures within the country. The successful conclusion of this mapping initiative follows several months of extensive fieldwork carried out by dedicated Statistics Sierra Leone teams throughout the country, demonstrating a thorough and systematic approach to data collection readiness. This extensive fieldwork ensures that no area is left uncounted, laying the groundwork for a truly national census.
Next Steps and Importance
Progress noted by Statistics Sierra Leone included the successful implementation of the Pilot Census, the full completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Mock Census. Reliable census data is considered essential for national planning, policymaking, and resource allocation, driving sustainable development and improving service delivery across Sierra Leone. This data provides invaluable insights into population demographics, housing conditions, and other critical indicators, enabling evidence-based decision-making. With the mapping phase now robustly concluded, Statistics Sierra Leone is expected to intensify preparations for the Mock Census and subsequent enumeration activities. This next stage will further refine methodologies and rigorously test logistical arrangements ahead of the main 2026 Population and Housing Census, ensuring its ultimate success.