10th StatCom-Africa Session Opens in Addis Ababa to Advance Data-Driven Development

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (FMC) — The 10th Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa (StatCom-Africa) opened in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, bringing together Africa’s statistical community to strengthen official data systems and ensure statistics more accurately reflect the continent’s realities and development priorities.

Held under the theme “Unleashing the value of data in Africa: making official statistics a true mirror of the continent,” the session provides a continental platform to advance the production, accessibility and use of reliable statistics in policymaking and development planning.

Organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the five-day session, running from October 19 to 23, focuses on unlocking the value of data and strengthening the capacity of African countries to produce statistics that respond to their economic, social and institutional realities.

The central challenge extends beyond generating more data. African countries need statistical systems capable of producing credible, relevant and timely information that governments can use to set priorities, allocate resources, measure development outcomes and improve public accountability.

Strengthening national statistical systems is therefore essential to evidence-based policymaking, sustainable development and regional integration. Reliable statistics also enable countries to assess progress, identify development gaps and design interventions grounded in measurable realities.

The session also offers an opportunity to examine emerging statistical methodologies, modernize data systems and strengthen cooperation among African countries and international institutions. Integrating statistical and geospatial information, alongside harnessing new technologies, forms part of broader efforts to improve the quality and practical value of official data.

The gathering is taking place alongside the 12th meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Africa (UN-GGIM: Africa), bringing statistical and geospatial stakeholders together to advance complementary approaches to data production and use.

As African countries pursue their development and integration ambitions, the session highlights the importance of building statistical systems that capture the continent’s changing realities and provide a sound foundation for decisions that shape its future.