ADDIS ABABA: The eleventh Forum on Statistical Development in Africa (FASDev) has commenced in Addis Ababa, focusing on enhancing the mobilization of technical and financial resources to support innovation in statistical development across the continent. The four-day event aims to strengthen connections among countries, partners, and institutions supporting statistics to address the needs of national statistical systems for technical and financial resources, thus accelerating their transformation and modernization.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the forum will provide an overview of the challenges faced by countries and identify the needs of national statistical systems to develop and implement transformation programs. Discussions will also explore opportunities and mechanisms offered by institutions, partners, and pan-African organizations to support statistical development. The concurrent Fourth Global Expert Forum for Producers and Users of Disaster-Related Statistics will also take place, underscori
ng the event’s focus on enhancing Africa’s statistical systems and fostering innovation in data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Oliver Chinganya, Director of UNECA’s Africa Center for Statistics, emphasized the importance of innovation and capacity building in modernizing African statistical systems. He highlighted FASDev’s role in establishing partnerships and promoting the use of advanced technologies such as big data and data science. Chinganya called for increased investment in African statistical systems to meet the growing demands for timely, accurate, and reliable data, urging governments to allocate adequate resources and encourage innovation.
Chinganya pointed out that the theme of this year’s StatCom, “Unleashing the potential of African innovation in statistical development,” aligns with FASDev’s philosophy of developing and strengthening the capacity of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to modernize and transform their statistical systems. He recalled a similar gathering two years ago
in Addis Ababa, focusing on accelerating the transformation of national statistical systems in Africa, indicating progress but also a need to expedite robust data provision to assist governments in achieving sustainable development goals and Agenda 2063.
The African Centre for Statistics at ECA, along with multiple partners, prioritizes innovation in its support for African National Statistical Systems. Initiatives include supporting the modernization of administrative data sources for statistical purposes, harnessing new data sources and technological developments, and using innovative tools and methods for data collection and analysis. This year’s FASDev program showcases innovation initiatives, highlighting successful mobilization of financial resources and fostering discussions on bridging data gaps through partnerships.
Chinganya concluded by urging participants to reflect on strengthening synergies among stakeholders to enhance innovation in the African Statistical System. Representatives of member st
ates, stakeholders, and partners are participating in the forum.