Welcome to the Board Chairperson of The Zambia Statistics Agency

The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) is pleased to welcome Mr. Oliver Chinganya as its new Board Chairperson. Mr. Chinganya brings a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a distinguished track record in advancing statistical development and data-driven policymaking across the African continent.

Before assuming his new role, Mr. Chinganya served as the Director of the Africa Centre for Statistics and Chief Statistician at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In this capacity, he led numerous initiatives aimed at improving statistical systems, fostering data harmonization, and promoting the use of evidence-based data for sustainable development. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Africa’s statistical landscape, equipping member states with the tools and methodologies needed to address complex developmental challenges.

Global Leadership and Achievements

Throughout his career, Mr. Chinganya has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing statistical development globally. Among others includes:

• Vice President, International Statistical Institute (ISI): Recognized globally for his thought leadership in statistics.
• Fellow and Chartered Statistician, Royal Statistical Society (UK): A testament to his professional excellence.
• Chartered Scientist of the Science Council of UK,
• Manager, Statistical Capacity Building Division, AfDB: Strengthened statistical systems across Africa.
• Regional Advisor, IMF: Guided African governments in enhancing economic and financial statistics.
• Acting Director, Zambia Statistical Office: Led significant statistical reforms in Zambia.
• Innovations and Advocacy
• Data Science Campus: Established at UNECA to integrate data science into policymaking and tackle development challenges.
• Co-created the UNECA Digital Centre for Excellence established to serve as on-demand source of technical advice for countries.
• Civil Registration Advocacy: Advocated for integrated civil registration and ID systems to support effective governance.
• Chairs the Global Steering Committee on Agriculture and Rural Statistics,
• Board Member Governing Board for Digital Earth Africa, Board of the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21)
• Advisory panel expert for Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance l
• Statistical Advisory Panel member of the Human Development Report.
• Visiting lecturer at Purdue University and Eastern Africa Statistical Centre

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Mr. Chinganya champions statistics as a cornerstone for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He calls for greater investment in data and emphasizes its role in shaping evidence-based policies.

His impactful career highlights his dedication to empowering statistical systems for global and sustainable progress.

ZamStats is excited and confident that Mr. Chinganya’s extensive expertise in statistics and data management, coupled with his unwavering commitment to excellence, will further propel the agency’s mission to deliver accurate, reliable, and timely statistical information for national development. His tenure promises to bring transformative leadership at a time when high-quality data is pivotal for Zambia’s socioeconomic growth.

We also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing leadership for their valuable contributions, which have laid a strong foundation for continued success.

As Mr. Chinganya assumes this significant role, ZamStats looks forward to working under his guidance to enhance statistical capabilities, foster innovation, and strengthen data systems that inform policies for a prosperous Zambia.

Welcome aboard, Mr. Oliver Chinganya! Together, we move forward towards a data-driven future.