Allexer Namundjembo
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has urged for inclusive, reliable and high quality data for every citizen as it joined the global community in marking World Statistics Day 2025.
The day, observed every five years, is celebrated under the theme “Driving Change with Quality Statistics for Everyone”.
Statistician general and chief executive officer of the NSA, Alex Shimuafeni, said the day highlights the role of statistics in promoting equitable development, transparency and informed decision-making.
“Quality statistics are the foundation for accountability, transparency and informed decision-making. They are essential tools in ensuring that no one is left behind,” Shimuafeni said.
World Statistics Day was first established in 2010 after a proposal by the United Nations Statistical Commission and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.
It has since been celebrated in 2015, 2020, and now in 2025.
This year’s observance coincides with the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, drawing attention to the importance of reliable data in driving global progress.
The 2025 theme focuses on ensuring that statistics are inclusive, accessible, and useful to all communities.
“Statistics are not just numbers, they represent lives, opportunities and realities that guide us toward equitable development,” Shimuafeni said.
The NSA is tasked with producing, validating, and sharing official statistics in Namibia.
It works to ensure that all data is accurate, timely and aligned with international standards to support evidence-based decision-making.
Recent NSA data shows that Namibia’s population stands at about three million with women accounting for 51%.
Shimuafeni said such statistics are key for developing policies that address inequalities and improve the well-being of all citizens.
The NSA also called for stronger investment in statistical systems, infrastructure and data literacy to maintain credible and accessible data.
“Our role is not just to collect numbers but to provide a foundation for decisions that improve people’s lives. High-quality data drives national development and builds public trust,” Shimuafeni said.
World Statistics Day 2025 calls on governments, organisations and partners to promote data accessibility, open data and research that addresses social and economic challenges.
“Statistics tell the story of our nation. By driving change with quality data, we ensure that every Namibian counts and that no one is left behind,” Shimuafeni said.
UN secretary general António Guterres has called for stronger efforts to ensure timely, accurate, and independent data as the world faces growing inequalities.
Guterres said the observance reaffirms the global commitment to the fundamental principles of official statistics, which include impartiality, professionalism, and adhering to scientific and ethical standards.
“Rising inequalities mean that timely, accurate, disaggregated, and independent data has never been more essential. Citizens everywhere deserve trustworthy data to inform public policy and strengthen accountability.”
He urged nations and institutions to use the occasion to champion the power of data in driving sustainable development for all.
