The recently released preliminary outcomes of Namibia’s Population and Housing Census represent a milestone in country’s journey towards a more data-informed governance model.
This was last week said by Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila who noted that beyond the numerical intricacies lies a wealth of information that serves as a compass, guiding government in the formulation of strategic policies and programs and the allocation of resources.
“Effective governance hinges on decisions rooted in empirical evidence. The Census data empowers us to identify priority areas, understand demographic dynamics, and tailor our policies to address the unique needs of various segments of our population.
“By ensuring that our plans are evidence based, we ensure that our interventions are responsive and effective, that resources are targeted to the most pressing needs of our country and to the areas where the returns are the highest. That way, the country optimizes its resources and opportunities to achieve a transformation to a developed and prosperous nation,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
She went on to say that the ultimate goal of statistical endeavors is not simply to generate numbers or compile reports; it is to make Namibia a better place for all its citizens.
“Using the intricate details revealed by the Census data, let us be guided by a vision of a nation where every Namibian has the opportunity to flourish. Our collective efforts, fueled by the insights gleaned from statistics, can transform challenges into opportunities. Let us envision a Namibia where economic prosperity is shared by all, where social harmony prevails, and where the environment is cherished and protected for future generations.
“In this transformative journey, our commitment to making Namibia a better place goes hand in hand with the recognition that the power of statistics lies not just in numbers but in the positive impact it can have on the lives of our people,” she said.
In addition to undertaking statistical exercises such as the census, government shall also strengthen administrative data collection in the public sector. It will also strengthen the capacity for data analysis and the use of data to monitor implementation and evaluate the impact of our interventions and be guided by this to make the necessary adjustments to interventions to make them more responsive and effective.
“Special thanks go to our late President who by championing this initiative, including ensuring that it received the required funding amidst a very challenging government revenue situation, demonstrated our government’s endorsement of evidence-based planning and statistical data collection. This commitment is part of the rich legacy he left behind which will endure long after his sad and untimely departure. I commend the various Offices/Ministries/Agencies (O/M/As) for their invaluable contributions, as well as the Regional Councils, community leaders, and the media for mobilizing communities and facilitating cooperation with the Census officials.
“Government also acknowledges the invaluable support provided by international partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) present here today, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics (ONS), and Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). Their technical expertise, material support, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in the success of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Heartfelt appreciations go to the dedicated Census staff who tirelessly worked to undertake the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Their commitment and hard work form the backbone of this monumental effort, and we are indebted to them for their service to our nation,” she concluded.