Zim Investing In Modernising Its National Statistical System

By Senior Reporter

Harare-Zimbabwe is investing in modernising its national statistical system through initiatives to adopt digital technologies, artificial intelligence, geospatial tools, big data sources, and citizen-generated data to produce official statistics, an official said.

In a statement to mark the African Statistics Day 2025, ZimStats Director General Tafadzwa Bandama said such innovations have already begun transforming the statistical ecosystem which is crucial for producing timely, reliable and accurate data.

African Statistics Day is observed annually on 18 November to raise awareness of the vital role statistics play in driving socio- economic development.

This year’s theme is aligned with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.”

The African Statistics Day theme highlights the increasing need to embrace technological innovations to strengthen data systems and support evidence-based policymaking.

ZimStats Director General Tafadzwa Bandama

“Africa marks this day leveraging innovations in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society for Africans.”

“As Zimbabwe joins the continent in celebrating this important day, we reflect on the power of data in informing policy decisions, driving economic growth and improving the lives of citizens,” Bandama said.

She said Africa continues to face significant development challenges, adding that in 2024, more than one in five Africans experienced hunger.

“Africa remains the least peaceful continent, according to the Global Peace Index 2025. More than one in five Africans experience hunger, ”the director general said.

Bandama said despite improvements since 2015, many countries still lack sufficient data to report effectively on Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

“Zimbabwe’s use of computer-assisted personal interviewing for all surveys has made it possible to produce data for monitoring the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, the implementation of National Development Strategy(NDS1) and formulation of NDS2.

“At continental level, initiatives such as the SDG 16 Survey Initiative and the Praia Group on Governance Statistics, have supported the efficient production of reliable, comparable governance data,” she said.

Bandama highlighted that statistical innovations are not just technological advances, but they impact data collection, quality, efficiency, and the analytical capabilities of statistical endeavors.

“They are also powerful tools that empower citizens, strengthen accountability, and promote inclusive development, so that no one and no place is left behind.

“As the National Statistical Office, we commit to scaling up investments in data and statistical innovation, develop new statistical products and digital platforms; and increase engagement with data users to strengthen trust in official statistics,” she said.

Bandama reaffirmed Zimstat commitment to building strong, resilient, and innovative data ecosystems that advance peace, justice, and prosperity for all Zimbabweans.

“As Zimstat, we committed to building strong, resilient, and innovative data ecosystems that advance peace, justice, and prosperity for all Zimbabweans,” Bandama said.