Chamwe Kaira
The 2023 Population and Housing Census holds significant importance for the Namibian economy due to its integral role in economic planning. Economic planning encompasses resource management and effective utilisation, making the data from this census crucial for informed decision-making in these areas.
Scheduled to take place from September 18 to November 3, the 2023 Population and Housing Census is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s future. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General and CEO of the Namibia Statistics Agency, emphasized that the census provides essential information for policy formulation, resource allocation, infrastructure development, and other key aspects. It serves as a cornerstone for making evidence-based decisions across sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, and social services.
Shimuafeni highlighted that the census data aids central and local governments in planning social services such as education, health, housing, and sanitation. Moreover, the private sector, including businesses, can leverage this information to plan their activities and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Economic planning cannot be effective without accurate and reliable data that accurately represents society’s realities. Participating in the census ensures that the collected data truly reflects the population, facilitating development programs and policies that benefit all regions and people in Namibia.
Shimuafeni assured that the census would not disrupt business operations and clarified that its focus is on updating the socio-demographic and economic information of the country. Considering that the last census in Namibia occurred more than a decade ago, the census aims to capture the changes in population structure since then.
Comparing the present state to the last count in 2011, the census will provide a precise view of the country’s current status, enabling the formulation of sound economic policies aligned with international standards. The comprehensive data collection covers over 80 indicators, encompassing population size, location, migration, housing, health, and education demographics, Shimuafeni said. This approach aims to address concerns about the credibility and utility of official data, ensuring a legitimate and robust foundation for policy decisions, he said.
