Beyond the census: The vital role of the Namibia Statistics Agency

Established in terms of the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2011, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) was founded as the country’s central statistical authority. Its core mandate is to produce and disseminate reliable, relevant, quality and timely official statistics, aligned with international standards and best practices, to support development, policymaking, and accountability in Namibia.For many Namibians, the name “NSA” immediately brings to mind the Census. It is indeed one of the Agency’s largest undertakings, but it represents only a fraction of what the Namibia Statistics Agency does. The Agency’s scope of work extends far beyond headcounts it stretches across economic, social, and demographic statistics, geospatial data, and sector-specific surveys. Collectively, these statistical domains underpin evidence-based decision-making, facilitating effective governance, efficient resource allocation, and sustainable national development. Why Statistics Matter to EveryoneStatistics are not only the concern of government planners or researchers, but they also have far-reaching implications for society as a whole. Governments use statistics for evidence-based planning, policy, resource allocation, and monitoring progress across sectors. In the business sphere, data is essential for analysing markets, understanding consumer behaviour, managing risks, and optimising supply chains. Educational institutions utilise statistics to enhance learning outcomes, inform curriculum development, and plan for student needs and infrastructure. In the health sector, statistical data is crucial for understanding the patterns of diseases, planning of medical services, and tracking progress on health indicators like maternal mortality, HIV prevalence, and vaccination coverage. At the individual level, statistics help citizens interpret shifts in the cost of living, employment, and economic trends. In short, statistics are a public good, informing the foundation of good governance, effective service delivery, business competitiveness, and individual empowerment. The Power of Participation: Your Role in Data CollectionBehind every dataset is the active participation of individuals, households, and businesses. Simply put, “every Namibian is a stakeholder in the production of statistics”. Currently, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) is conducting one of its most essential national surveys, the Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES) 2024/25. This large-scale household-budget survey captures the economic and social realities of Namibian families across all 14 regions. The findings inform the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of goods and services, making inflation figures more accurate and ensuring that public policies reflect real economic conditions. The NHIES also provides vital insights into poverty, inequality, and access to essential services. Participation in the NHIES is not only a civic duty but a contribution to building a transparent, data-driven Namibia that enables smarter and more inclusive planning.Additionally, the NSA is concurrently conducting its 2nd wave of the Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey, which commenced in October 2025. The survey provides crucial insights into how Namibians access and use financial products and services, such as bank accounts, savings, and credit, helping track progress toward the Namibia Financial Sector Transformation Strategy (2025–2035) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Aspiration 1. This Is Your Call to ActionAs highlighted in the 2022 Africa Data Revolution Report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), “data is the new currency for development.” Poor-quality or missing data leads to ineffective policies and wasted resources. Even a 10% non-response rate can distort key indicators like poverty and unemployment. Given the above insights, the NSA is more than a census office, it is Namibia’s engine for evidence-based development. But it can only succeed if Namibians engage with it. By opening our doors to survey teams, by valuing and using official data, we all contribute to a transparent and accountable Namibia. Statistics are not just numbers, they are tools for change and blueprints for a better future. Each response helps shape Namibia’s tomorrow, one statistic at a time.*Wilhelmina Nangobe is a Statistician at the NSA and wrote this op-ed in her personal capacity.**

Beyond the census: The vital role of the Namibia Statistics Agency

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Republikein 2025-10-29

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Beyond the census: The vital role of the Namibia Statistics Agency

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