Sierra Leone has launched the final 50-day countdown to its 2026 Population and Housing Census, as officials and development partners reviewed preparations for the country’s first fully digital enumeration exercise.

The launch took place at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown and brought together Statistics Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, development partners, political representatives, community leaders, civil society organisations and media institutions.

Census Night is scheduled for 1 December 2026, while nationwide enumeration is due to begin the following day.

Preparations advance

Preparatory work highlighted at the event included field readiness activities, training, the development of digital systems and a Mock Census conducted in July 2026. Officials also cited the Cartographic Mapping Outcome Report and standardised training materials as part of the work completed ahead of the exercise.

Statistics Sierra Leone has received 25,000 electronic tablets procured for census field operations. The census is expected to generate demographic information to support national planning, resource allocation and public investment in areas including education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure and social protection.

UNFPA is supporting the preparations through technical assistance, capacity-building and operational support. The Governments of Iceland, Ireland and the United Kingdom are among the funding partners named in connection with the census.

Sibeso Mululuma, UNFPA’s Deputy Representative, said reliable population data would provide a basis for policies and programmes aimed at addressing community needs.

“High-quality population data is paramount. It provides the empirical foundation necessary to design targeted policies and programmes, ensuring assistance reaches the most vulnerable demographics and that no individual is left behind,” Mululuma said.

Calls for public participation

Andrew Bob Johnny, the Statistician General of Statistics Sierra Leone, said technical preparations were progressing but stressed that public participation would also be essential.

“A successful census depends on both technical preparation and public cooperation,” Johnny said.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay said dependable demographic information would help identify rising demand for public services, reveal gaps and guide investment towards communities with the greatest needs.

Officials and development partners urged households to cooperate with census personnel and provide accurate information. Community leaders and civil society organisations were also encouraged to promote awareness of the exercise.

Media organisations were asked to explain the census process, respond to public concerns and help counter misinformation. Development partners were urged to maintain their support as preparations continue.

Representatives of both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the opposition All People’s Congress attended the countdown launch, alongside officials from Statistics Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and other participating institutions.

The census is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s evidence base for monitoring development progress, shaping public policy and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.