Freetown, Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 - Ahead of the December 2026 Population and Housing Census, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has finalised core training materials and digital protocols to ensure high-quality nationwide demographic data collection. From 24–25 September 2026, a team of 25 technical specialists convened to validate Master Trainer manuals, standardized presentation materials, and online learning modules.

Drawing on operational insights from the July 2026 Mock Census, the team optimised Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) tools and field management procedures to establish uniform training standards for enumerators across all districts. This validation marks a major milestone in establishing a robust quality-assurance framework for Sierra Leone’s fully digital census.

Sierra Leone will conduct its national population and housing census from 2 to 16 December 2026. By generating accurate demographic data, the count will, among other benefits, strengthen rights-based planning to expand maternal healthcare, advance family planning, and accelerate essential services for women and young people nationwide.

UNFPA Sierra Leone provides technical leadership for the census initiative, with financial support from the Embassy of Iceland, the Embassy of Ireland, and the British High Commission (FCDO).

Media contact: John Sesay | Communications Unit | UNFPA Sierra Leone | jsesay@unfpa.org