The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has allocated N$59 million to update and develop the country’s data infrastructure.
This comes after the agency launched a four-year National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) plan that will see the NSA embark on a data collection mission.
“As the need for data continues to increase with the adoption of more development commitments by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the NSDS provides a plan for developing capacity to produce, disseminate and mainstream the use of statistics in all sectors of the economy,” Obeth Kandjoze, Director General of the National Planning Commission said.
The NSDS plans to tackle the data gap in different sectors, with the biggest focus being unemployment with an allocation of N$11 million towards the development of statistics.
“I am informed that the NSDS development followed a sector-driven approach. This was important to ensure ownership and a responsive strategy to the producer’s and user’s needs,” Kandjoze said.
Kandjoze further explained that the approach ensures that the National Statistics System is capacitated and able to provide data that is needed for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of development plans.
“Statistics are a vital part of the development of any country, and Namibia is no exception. They are needed for evidence-based decision and policy making,” Kandjoze said.
The plan further aims to enable better access and availability of data.
“Currently, the process of data sharing between government entities is not legally mandated. Additionally, the data often is not available for use by other agencies because officers are either unaware it even exists or are unable to access it,” said UNFPA Country Representative, Gift Malunga.
