Addis Ababa, November 3, 2024 (FBC) – In his farewell address at the 9th Statistical Commission meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Oliver Chinganya, the outgoing Director of the African Centre for Statistics (ACS), highlighted the essential role reliable data and statistics play in informed decision-making for Africa’s sustainable development.
Chinganya reflected on his tenure, noting that he led the Centre during a pivotal time when the demand for accurate and timely data became increasingly important due to challenges such as high debt levels, climate change, food security, and a lack of reliable data to guide policy-making.
“Our mandate was to ensure that national statistical systems were equipped to provide the reliable data necessary for informed decision-making at both the national level and for global reporting, such as the Sustainable Development Goals,” Chinganya stated, citing his extensive experience with international organizations like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and African Development Bank.
He also emphasized that the ACS has enhanced Africa’s representation in the global statistical arena and underscored the importance of collaboration and partnerships in adopting global best practices within the international statistical framework.
Chinganya pointed out the evolving statistical landscape, where numerous entities now contribute to data production, not all of which consist of trained statisticians. He expressed concern over poor coordination among data producers and the insufficient investment in the data value chain by governments.
Faced with high data demands that do not align with current capabilities and rapid technological advancements, Chinganya called for stronger leadership within National Statistical Offices. He encouraged leaders to invest in their teams and nurture regional cooperation.
“The data we produce is not merely for today; it is the legacy we leave for future generations,” he said, urging international development partners to enhance their engagement with African statistical systems.
“I am confident that with the right leadership, the African Centre for Statistics will continue to thrive and significantly contribute to the development of our continent,” Chinganya concluded.