Robust Statistical Systems Key to Economic Development, Social Progress.

Addis Ababa: Reliable data and statistics are necessary for informed decision-making if Africa is to achieve sustainable development, said Oliver Chinganya, the outgoing African Centre for Statistics Director, during his farewell remarks at the 9th Statistical Commission meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Chinganya underscored the critical role statisticians play in generating and delivering reliable data and statistics that meet present and future development needs. Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the African Centre for Statistics (ACS), Chinganya said he led the Centre at a critical juncture when reliable, accurate, and timely data increased in urgency as Africa faced numerous challenges ranging from high debt levels, climate change and food security to lack of better data to inform policy decisions."Our role was to ensure that national statistical systems were up to the task of providing reliable data necessary for informed decision-making, both for national go vernments and for global reporting, such as the Sustainable Development Goals," said Chinganya, whose career has seen him serve in various capacities at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank before joining the ECA.Stressing that the African Centre for Statistics (ACS) has amplified Africa's voice in the global statistical community, Chinganya also emphasized the role of collaborations and partnerships in meeting global best practices and contributing to the international statistical agenda. He noted that the statistical landscape has changed with the entry of many players and actors, not all of whom are statisticians.Lamenting the poor coordination among other producers of data and lack of investment in the data value chain by governments, he said there is a challenge of increased data demand which is not matched by current capacity and a rapid change of technology. Calling for stronger leadership in National Statistical Offices, Chinganya urged leaders to conti nue investing in their teams and fostering regional cooperation."The data we produce is not just for today-it is the legacy we leave for future generations," he urged, calling on international Development Partners to deepen engagement with African statistical systems. "I am confident that with the right leadership, the African Centre for Statistics will continue to thrive and make significant contributions to the development of our continent," said Chinganya.