Addis ababa: The Ethiopian Statistical Service announced that it is entering a new era of progress, driven by a comprehensive reform aimed at modernizing its organizational structure and data production systems. A capacity building program between Statistics Korea and the Ethiopian Statistical Service, with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Africa Development Bank (AfDB), is underway in Addis Ababa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the opening of the three-day program, Ethiopian Statistics Service Director General Beker Shale stated that the Service is currently undertaking significant reforms to modernize its organizational structure and data production system. He affirmed the implementation of a roadmap for this transformation, known as the Ethiopian Statistical Development Program, spanning from 2023 to 2026.
The Director General emphasized the Ethiopian government's recognition of the critical role that accurate, reliable, and timely statistics play in national planning, monitoring progress, and attracting investment. He highlighted the new chapter's mandate to modernize statistical infrastructure, enhance methodologies, and improve the accessibility and quality of statistical data.
Beker Shale noted the successful execution of significant statistical projects last year, including the second Agricultural Census in 22 years, the fifth Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, and the National Integrated Household Survey. These statistics are crucial for government decision-making at all levels, and significant efforts are being made in internal investment and data production technology to realize this ambitious work.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with national and international partners, expressing gratitude to the Korean National Statistical Office, the UNDP, and the AfDB for their continued support. Vincent Negendakumana, Chief Agriculture Statistician at the African Development Bank, highlighted Ethiopia's national efforts to build the country's capacity to produce sector data, reaffirming the bank's commitment to supporting the sector.
Ali Zafar, UNDP Economic Advisor, emphasized the significance of statistics and the sharing of best practices, particularly from Korea, to make statistics as scientific as possible. The Korean delegation reaffirmed its commitment to support Ethiopia's ongoing endeavors in transforming and modernizing the sector, including sharing experiences.