Stats SL Temporary Headquarters, 1B King Street, Kona Lodge, Freetown
14th October 2025
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), is pleased to announce the official commencement of a nationwide cartographic mapping exercise in preparation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC ’26). This marks a major milestone in the lead-up to the country’s most significant national data collection effort.
The announcement was made by the Statistician-General & Chief Census Officer , Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny, who underscored the importance of this foundational phase in delivering a credible, inclusive, and comprehensive census.
The cartographic mapping exercise—carried out with technical support from GIS and Cartographic Mapping Consultant Dr. Foluke Adebayo—involves the identification and delineation of enumeration areas, as well as the systematic numbering of all localities and physical structures across the country. This process ensures that every individual and household is counted once—and in the correct location—when the census is conducted in 2026.
“Mapping is a crucial step in the census process. It allows us to plan effectively, allocate resources equitably, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Mr. Johnny. “The accuracy of the 2026 Census depends on the success of this very exercise.”
Between October 2025 till 2026, trained field staff will be deployed across the country—reaching communities in both urban and rural areas. These personnel will be clearly identified by their official Census ID cards, branded T-shirts and caps, and digital tablets used for data collection.
Stats SL is appealing to all residents, community leaders, traditional authorities, and local government officials to offer their full cooperation and support to the mapping teams.
“We are counting on the cooperation of every Sierra Leonean to make this exercise a success,” Mr. Johnny added. “Your support is vital to producing reliable data that will guide national planning, inform policies, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable resource distribution.”
The 2026 Population and Housing Census is not just a statistical operation—it is a strategic tool for national development. Accurate and timely data will enable informed decision-making in key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and social protection.
Stats SL encourages the public to welcome the mapping teams and actively support this essential national exercise, which lays the groundwork for a successful and impactful census.
Census 2026: Leh Den Kont You Oh!
Stats SL Comms & PR Unit
