Preparations are underway to celebrate the annual African statistics day on November 18 on the theme: “Quality Data to support African Progress”. Commemorated annually, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) aims to increase public awareness over the important role that statistics play in all aspects of social and economic life in Africa. According to ECA senior officials, the annual celebration this year will focus on data quality, which is an essential tool for monitoring the achievement of national development plans and international development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The theme was selected following the refocusing of ECA’s statistical work towards data quality and wide consultations with countries. “The theme was chosen to draw attention to the importance of quality statistics for evidence-based decision making in all aspects of socio-economic development processes,” said the officials. It also provides an opportunity to advocate support for major statistical operations, including censuses and surveys.