ZANZIBAR, November 27, 2025 – Zanzibar has joined other African nations in marking Africa Statistics Day, with senior government officials emphasizing the critical need for increased investment in modern data systems to support evidence-based planning, strengthen justice, and promote peace and economic development.
Speaking at the commemorative event held at Idriss Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Hamad Omar Bakari, stated that reliable statistics are central to Africa’s social and economic transformation, particularly as countries pursue inclusive development under the African Union’s 2025 theme.
This year’s celebration, observed under the theme “Leveraging innovation in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, united and prosperous Africa,” highlights the continent’s growing need for modern, timely, and inclusive data systems to guide public policy and track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Bakari commended key national stakeholders, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Judiciary, Police, and social welfare institutions, for adopting digital record-keeping systems that simplify the production of official statistics.
“These systems enhance the collection and analysis of administrative data, which is essential for making decisions based on reliable statistical evidence,” he said.
The Deputy Minister noted that improved data flows in the justice and security sectors are crucial in addressing global challenges such as insecurity, terrorism, hunger, political instability, and social inequality.
Citing the 2025 Global Peace Index, Dr. Bakari highlighted that three of the ten least peaceful countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa, while food insecurity continues to affect one in five Africans, making accurate data indispensable for policy response.
Dr. Bakari stressed that Africa must overhaul its data systems by adopting digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, mobile-based data collection tools, GIS solutions, and citizen-generated data platforms.
He highlighted success stories from across the continent, such as Ghana’s use of computer-assisted telephone interviews and Uganda’s modernization of administrative data systems, as examples that Zanzibar can learn from.
“Africa must invest heavily in innovation to fully benefit from emerging opportunities that enhance efficiency across the entire data value chain,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Chief Government Statistician Salum Kassim Ali reminded attendees that Africa Statistics Day has been observed since 1990, following a resolution by UNECA and the African Statistical Coordination Committee to raise awareness of the role of statistics in planning and monitoring development.
He emphasized that Zanzibar, as part of the global community, implements the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, AU Agenda 2063, and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, all of which require high-quality and timely data.
The Chief Statistician also congratulated Zanzibaris for participating peacefully in the October 29, 2025 General Election, thanking citizens for maintaining peace in the country
