Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has announced a significant change to the timeline of the upcoming Decennial Population and Housing Census.  Originally scheduled for December 2025, the census enumeration has been postponed to December 2026.

The decision follows recommendations from a Census Assessment Mission, comprising technical experts from the U.S. Census Bureau, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – New York, who visited Sierra Leone in January 2025.

During a two-day engagement with the Census Advisory and Technical Committees on March 13th and 14th, 2025, at the New Brookfield Hotel, Stats SL officials revealed the revised timeline. The postponement aims to provide ample time to achieve critical milestones in the census process.

Deputy Statistician General, Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, emphasized the complexity and scale of the census, highlighting the need for thorough preparation. “The census is an expensive, expansive, elaborate, and complex national endeavor; its success, acceptance, and useful nature depends on us working together in a timely and inclusive manner,” he stated.

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He also stressed the importance of the census data for national and international development planning, including the Medium-National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Africa Agenda 2030.

Despite the initial announcement by President Julius Maada Bio in 2024 that the census would take place from December 2nd to 15th, 2025, the international experts’ assessment underscored the need for more preparatory time.

The Census Advisory and Technical Committees expressed their support for the revised schedule, commending Stats SL for its transparency and commitment to conducting a credible census. They pledged their continued assistance in ensuring the success of the 2026 census.

The 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census will utilize advanced technologies, such as Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), to enhance data accuracy and efficiency. The government, with support from international partners, remains committed to providing the necessary financial and logistical resources for the successful execution of this vital national exercise.