Africa Statistics Day 2025
Theme: Leveraging innovations in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society for Africans
As we join the African statistical community in celebrating Africa Statistics Day on 18 November 2025, the International Statistical Institute reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovation and modernization within national statistical systems, academia and private sector across the continent. This year’s theme underscores the transformative power of data innovation in shaping a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Africa. To realize this vision, it is essential for countries to invest in modern approaches and technologies that enhance efficiency and quality throughout the entire data value chain, from data collection and processing to analysis, dissemination, and use.
Modernization goes beyond technology. It requires the development of standards-based statistical business architectures, robust legal frameworks, and well-functioning national statistical systems that foster innovation rather than hinder it. Sustainable progress is achieved not only through technical solutions, but also through systems that align with broader national objectives, such as stability, inclusion, transparency, and long-term development.
To make the most of data investments, countries should strengthen the use of digital technologies, geospatial methods, big data, and citizen-generated data to improve the relevance and accessibility of official statistics. Such innovations can help demonstrate the tangible value of statistics to policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike.
The ISI Academy stands ready to collaborate with African partners, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), national statistical offices, and academic and professional communities, to advance research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in digital technologies, geospatial and big data among others.
Together, through innovation and collaboration, we can build modern statistical systems that truly serve Africa’s development aspirations and ensure that no one is left behind in the data revolution.
Written by: Oliver Chinganya
Head, ISI Academy Management Team