Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully concluded its nationwide cartographic mapping exercise for the 2026 Population and Housing Census with the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station, Freetown, marking a significant milestone in the country's census preparations.
The symbolic exercise was graced by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who actively participated in the process by responding to questions administered by the mapping team in his capacity as Head of Household. Also present were the First Lady of Sierra Leone, senior government officials, representatives of the media, the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the GIS and Cartographic Mapping Consultant, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for the Census, as well as the management and staff of Statistics Sierra Leone.
The symbolic mapping marked the culmination of months of extensive fieldwork across the country and reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone's commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally accepted 2026 Population and Housing Census that ensures every structure and household is systematically identified and captured, leaving no one behind.
Speaking during the engagement, the Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, updated His Excellency on the progress made towards the census, highlighting the successful conduct of the Pilot Census, the completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Mock Census.
The Cartographic Mapping Consultant, Dr. Foluke Adebayo, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the mapping process, followed by the screening of a simulation video showcasing the progress and achievements recorded throughout the exercise.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commended Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) for the remarkable progress achieved thus far in the census process and reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering commitment and support for the successful conduct of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The event climaxed with the official symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge, formally signifying the successful completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise.
Cartographic mapping is a critical pre-census activity that provides the framework for the main enumeration by ensuring accurate delineation of Enumeration Areas and complete coverage of all structures and households. Its successful completion represents a major milestone towards delivering a credible, reliable, and high-quality 2026 Population and Housing Census for Sierra Leone.
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