IMELDA AMBOINDO
Statistician General Alex Shimuafen says accurate statistics are vital to guide evidence-based decision making and social progress.
He said this yesterday as Namibia joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Statistics Day.
The day was commemorated under the theme “Driving Change with Quality Statistics for Everyone.”
The day is observed globally every five years on 20 October, highlighting the vital role of data and statistics in shaping societies and informing sound policy decisions.
“Data is not just numbers, it is the foundation for decisions, accountability, equity and sustainable development,” said Shimuafeni.
He said quality statistics are essential for tracking national goals, identifying inequalities, and driving meaningful change across all sectors.
“Driving change with quality data means ensuring that information reaches and benefits all Namibians from government and private sector to civil society and ordinary citizens,” Shimuafeni said.
Shimuafeni their participation in the global celebration aligns with its core mandate of producing credible, high quality statistics to support Namibia’s development agenda.
“The aims and objectives of this day fully align with our mission to provide relevant, reliable and timely statistics that promote evidence based planning and decision making,” he said.
The Statistician-General also used the occasion to call on policymakers to invest in national statistical systems through adequate funding, training, and technological infrastructure.
He emphasised that improving data systems is critical to ensure data quality and accessibility, especially in developing countries.
“Strengthening Namibia’s statistical capacity will enable us to produce data that truly reflects the lives and realities of our people,” Shimuafeni said.
The Namibia Statistics Agency said quality data supports accountability and transparency in governance, enabling informed decisions in areas such as education, health, the economy, and environmental management.
“When we rely on quality statistics, we ensure that policies are not based on assumptions but on facts that represent the true picture of our society,” Shimuafeni said.
He added that the Namibia Statistics Agency remains committed to strengthening collaboration with local and international partners to enhance data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
World Statistics Day serves as a global reminder that quality, inclusive, and accessible statistics are not a luxury but a necessity, the driving force behind equitable progress, transparency, and lasting development.
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