Somalia, UNFPA Step up Census Preparations amid Push for Better Population Data

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s statistical systems as preparations gather pace for Somalia’s first population and housing census in more than five decades.

The pledge came during a visit to the SNBS headquarters in Mogadishu by a senior UNFPA delegation led by Resident Representative Judicaël Elidje. The delegation was received by SNBS Director General Dr Abdisalam Mohamed and senior officials from the bureau.

Officials from both sides reviewed progress made through a partnership that has lasted for more than a decade and has been central to efforts to rebuild Somalia’s statistical infrastructure after years of conflict and institutional disruption.

The statistics bureau highlighted recent achievements, particularly in the area of population and social data, including ongoing preparations for the long-awaited national census. Accurate population figures are considered critical for government planning, public service delivery and development programmes.

Among the initiatives discussed was a recently completed socio-demographic survey carried out in five districts with support from UNFPA and the Gates Foundation. The survey covered about 50,000 households and used a combination of traditional data collection methods and geospatial technology to improve population estimates, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

For decades, Somalia has faced challenges in generating reliable demographic data due to insecurity, displacement and weak statistical systems. The absence of updated population figures has complicated efforts to allocate resources, plan public services and measure development needs across the country.

Both institutions said they were keen to deepen cooperation in strengthening Somalia’s National Statistical System, building technical capacity at federal and state levels, and improving the use of data in policymaking.

The discussions also focused on preparations for Somalia’s participation in the United Nations-led 2030 Round of Population and Housing Censuses, a global programme designed to help countries produce comparable and reliable demographic statistics.

The visit comes as Somalia intensifies efforts to strengthen evidence-based planning and governance, with international partners increasingly stressing the importance of reliable data in shaping development priorities and tracking progress towards national and global goals.