WINDHOEK, Namibia – Representatives from government, civil society, and development partners gathered on 26 February 2025 to discuss the creation of important census products designed to improve access to data and support decision-making at every level. The engagement, facilitated by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), focused on improving the accessibility and application of census data for development purposes.

With the completion of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, the focus now shifts to developing thematic reports that transform raw data into meaningful insights. These reports—covering areas such as fertility, mortality, population projections,disability,  children and youth, and access to essential services like education and healthcare, amongst others—will provide policymakers with the evidence they need to drive inclusive development. One such report, the Labour Force report, was released in January 2025 and provides an overview of the economic activities of the population.

In March 2024, the NSA released the Census preliminary report, which provided insights into the population size. By October 2024, the Census Basic report was released, offering the first comprehensive insights into the demographic and social conditions of the population.

“Today, as we engage in this workshop, our focus is on how to effectively present and utilize these data products. We understand that simply collecting data is not enough; it must be made accessible, understandable, and actionable for all stakeholders—from policymakers and researchers to the general public,” said Mr. Alex Shimuafeni, Secretary-General of NSA.

Data is the foundation of informed decision-making.

"Data is the foundation of informed decision-making. Without detailed and disaggregated census products, we risk leaving behind the most vulnerable groups in society," said UNFPA Namibia Representative Erika Goldson, who delivered the keynote address at the event. 

"We must ensure full participation from key sectors in the development of these products,” Erika said, adding, “It is essential to prioritize the inclusion of all population groups and societal aspects, particularly marginalized communities, and to ensure thorough disaggregation of data to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.”

UNFPA has been a key partner in Namibia's journey toward achieving its development goals. The agency's support for the 2023 Census, alongside other UN entities, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening national capacities for evidence-based planning and policy formulation.