Z’bar govt calls for investment in modern data

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR joined the rest of Africa in commemorating Africa Statistics Day, with senior government officials stressing the need for greater investment in modern data systems to support evidence-based planning, strengthen justice and promote peace and economic development.

Speaking at the event held at Idriss Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Hamad Omar Bakari, said reliable statistics are central to Africa’s social and economic transformation, particularly as countries pursue inclusive development under the African Union’s 2025 theme.

“I thank the Office of the Chief Government Statistician for recognising the importance of this day. Your participation today is the backbone of this event,” he told the audience. Africa Statistics Day is celebrated annually on 18 November.

This year’s theme, “Leveraging innovation in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, united and prosperous Africa,” underscores the continent’s growing need for modern, timely and inclusive data systems to guide public policy and track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Dr Bakari commended key national stakeholders, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Judiciary, Police and social welfare institutions, for adopting digital record-keeping systems that simplify the production of official statistics.

“These systems enhance the collection and analysis of administrative data, which is essential for making decisions based on reliable statistical evidence,” he said.

He noted that improved data flows in the justice and security sectors are crucial in addressing global challenges such as insecurity, terrorism, hunger, political instability and social inequality.

Citing the 2025 Global Peace Index, Dr Bakari highlighted that three of the ten least peaceful countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa, while food insecurity continues to affect one in five Africans, making accurate data indispensable for policy response.

Dr Bakari stressed that Africa must overhaul its data systems by adopting digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, mobile-based data collection tools, GIS solutions and citizen-generated data platforms.

He highlighted success stories from across the continent, such as Ghana’s use of computer-assisted telephone interviews and Uganda’s modernisation of administrative data systems, as examples that Zanzibar can learn from.

“Africa must invest heavily in innovation to fully benefit from emerging opportunities that enhance efficiency across the entire data value chain,” he said.

Dr Bakari called on ministries and institutions in Zanzibar to strengthen their data collection systems to support peace, justice, inclusion and overall development.

In closing, he urged ministries, institutions, researchers and media houses to actively use official statistics in planning and decision-making.

“Our Office publishes numerous statistical reports with key indicators for development planning. It is our shared responsibility to use these statistics to guide our decisions,” he said, also thanking journalists for educating the public on the importance of statistics.

Earlier, Chief Government Statistician (CGS) Salum Kassim Ali reminded attendees that Africa Statistics Day has been observed since 1990, following a resolution by UNECA and the African Statistical Coordination Committee to raise awareness of the role of statistics in planning and monitoring development.

He emphasised that Zanzibar, as part of the global community, implements the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, AU Agenda 2063 and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, all of which require high-quality and timely data.

“With the principle of ‘leaving no one behind,’ the demand for more detailed and frequent data is higher than ever,” he said.

Mr Ali added that the Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2021–2026) places significant responsibility on the Office of the Chief Government Statistician to ensure national statistical systems function effectively, including surveys, administrative data and the population census.

He thanked households, institutions and development partners for their contributions to the production of official statistics.

The Chief Statistician also congratulated Zanzibaris for participating peacefully in the October 29, 2025 General Election. “I thank all workers and citizens for exercising their democratic right calmly and maintaining peace in our country,” he said.