Oliver Chinganya address at StatCom 2024, Oct 31, 2024

• Distinguished Heads of National Statistical Offices,

• Esteemed International Development Partners,

• Dear Colleagues and Staff of the African Centre for Statistics,

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection that I address you all today. After decades of dedication to statistical development, not only in Africa but globally, this moment is bittersweet. The journey that brought me here has been nothing short of fulfilling, marked by partnerships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our societies through robust data systems. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformative power of data and statistics in shaping Africa's trajectory toward sustainable development. I reflect on the work we have done together with immense pride, and I look forward with optimism at what the future holds for Africa's statistical systems

As I stand at the threshold of retirement, I am reminded of the remarkable journey we have undertaken together to enhance the statistical capacities of our beloved continent.

From my early days at the Zambia Statistics Office, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of reliable data in shaping national policies and improving lives. This early exposure fuelled a passion that guided me through subsequent roles at the IMF, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. Each of these experiences reinforced the critical importance of robust statistical systems in fostering economic development and social progress.

At the International Monetary Fund, I had the privilege of working with numerous African countries to strengthen their macroeconomic statistics. This work was not just about numbers; it was about empowering nations with the tools needed to navigate complex economic landscapes.

My short tenure at the World Bank further expanded this mission. Collaborating with governments to build statistical capacity was a testament to our shared commitment to evidence-based decision-making. We recognized that without accurate data, even the most well-intentioned policies could falter.

The journey continued at the African Development Bank, where we launched initiatives that not only improved data quality but also fostered a culture that values and utilizes statistical evidence. Our efforts contributed to more transparent governance and better outcomes for communities across Africa.

And now serving as the Director of the African Centre for Statistics at UNECA has been the pinnacle of my career. Together, we have navigated the challenges of data gaps, embraced technological innovations, and promoted the harmonization of statistical standards. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that Africa's voice is heard in the global statistical community, and that our data reflects the true narratives of our countries.

Throughout this journey, our collaborations with international bodies like the International Statistical Institute and the Royal Statistical Society have been invaluable. Participation in the UN Committee of Chief Statisticians and the Coordinating Committee on Statistical Activities has allowed us to align our efforts with global best practices and contribute to the international statistical agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen - When I took the helm at the African Centre for Statistics, we were at a critical juncture. The need for reliable, accurate, and timely data was more urgent than ever as our continent faced numerous challenges- ranging from high debt levels, high inflation, high employment rates, high poverty levels, lack of legal identity, climate change and food security, to lack of better data to inform policy decision. Our role was to ensure that national statistical systems were up to the task of providing reliable data necessary for informed decision-making, both for national governments and for global reporting, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the nearly nine years, my team and I worked tirelessly to enhance the capacity of national statistical offices (NSOs) across Africa. Through our initiatives, we aimed to make statistical systems not only more resilient but also more innovative, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it was the expansion of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems or the integration of geospatial data to improve decision-making, or modernization and transforming of system or development of databases and robust dash boards to support census taking, our efforts were always centered on creating dynamic, adoptive, sustainable and forward-looking data ecosystems that serve present needs but also those that can evolve with future demands.

In addition, during my time at ECA, I also had an opportunity to simultaneously head the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Division and the African Centre for Statistics. This experience made me even more aware of the need for resilient data systems to address emerging global challenges like climate adaptation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. At the same time, I coordinated the ECA digital Centre of Excellence. Our focus on digital transformation-building a digital centre that supports the integration of technology and statistics-ensured we were not left behind as the world moved towards data-driven solutions.

Partnerships and Collaborations: At the heart of this journey, however, has been partnership. Whether with international bodies, national statistical offices, or development partners, nothing was achieved alone. I am grateful for the friendships, collaborations, and shared vision we've nurtured over the years. Together we laid the groundwork for sustainable statistical development, positioning Africa as a leader in data-driven governance. Under my leadership, we have forged strong partnership with all UN regional commissions in addition with other development partners.

Regional and Internatational Statistical Association. We are custodians of official statistics. As such we play critical roles in suporting governments in planning and informed decision making. We also hold them accountable on their performances and reporting. However, official statisics cannot exist in isolation. We need colleges, universities and researchers to provide us with improved and cutting-edge scientific approaches in measuring what we need to manage. We are also their products as professionals. In this connection, I have endeavored to strengthenthn our link with statisical association such as ISI, IAOS, IASS, and RSS among others, and more recently with Mo Ibrahim Foundation. My leading positions in these institutes have also been instrumental in this respect.

As I prepare to hand over the reins, I am confident in the future of the African Centre for Statistics. The role of the next Director will be more critical than ever. The statistical landscape is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, methodologies, and challenges emerging. The future Director will need to be visionary, adaptable, and deeply committed to advancing our mission. I will come back to this.

Challenges - Of course, the road has not always been smooth. The statistical landscape has now a number of players and actors. Not all of them are statisticians or from related fields. The new actors whom I call "data enthusiasts", have the resources and capacity to produce data in real-time and are not bothered about data validation processes. And because of the way they present data, they are easily listened to including by governments - because they provide quick fixes. In addition, there is poor coordination among other producers of data, a lack of investment in the data value chain by governments. There is also a challenge of increased data demand which is not matched by capacity; rapid change of technology. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on our systems, revealing gaps in our ability to collect timely and vital statistics during crises. However, it also created opportunities for creative approaches in measurements and reinforced the importance of investing in robust and resilient data infrastructures. We learned that partnerships, innovation, and flexibility are crucial to overcoming adversity.

Achievements - I will not talk about the achievements of the African Centre for Statistics under my leadership as I believe they speak for themselves and probably you are better placed to enumerate them as witnesses and recipients of support in many statistical areas.

However, none of the achievements would have been possible without the dedication, passion, and tireless efforts of the people who have worked alongside me. To my exceptional team at the African Centre for Statistics, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence. You have been the backbone of every success we have enjoyed, and I am deeply grateful for your expertise and your resilience in the face of challenges.

As I conclude, I want to pay tributes and share my thoughts for the future.

To the Heads of National Statistical Offices, your leadership remains the cornerstone of our collective success. I urge you to continue investing in your teams, embracing innovation, and fostering regional cooperation. The data we produce is not just for today-it is the legacy we leave for future generations.

To our International Development Partners, your support has been instrumental in our achievements. I encourage you to maintain and deepen your engagement with African statistical systems. Together, we can continue to build capacities that not only meet current needs but also anticipate future demands.

To the dedicated staff of the African Centre for Statistics, you are the heart and soul of this institution. Your expertise, dedication, and passion have driven our successes. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. As you move forward, continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence and collaboration.

In reflecting on the future, I envision an African statistical community that is robust, innovative, and influential on the global stage. I see a continent where data drives development, informs policy, and empowers citizens. Achieving this vision will require continued commitment, collaboration, and the nurturing of new talent.

My thoughts on the future Director of the African Centre for Statistics

In considering the future leadership of the African Centre for Statistics, it is essential that we seek a director who embodies innovation, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the evolving statistical needs of our continent. The next Director should consider prioritizing:

• Embracing Technological Advancements: Leveraging big data, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to enhance data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

• Strengthening Partnerships: Fostering stronger collaborations with national, regional, and international organizations to promote knowledge sharing and resource mobilization.

• Capacity Building: Investing in the development of statistical professionals across Africa to ensure sustainability and the continuous improvement of our statistical systems.

• Advocacy for Data-Driven Policies: Championing the use of statistics in policymaking to address socio-economic challenges and to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

I am confident that with the right leadership, the African Centre for Statistics will continue to thrive and make significant contributions to the development of our continent.

Gratitude

To my colleagues at UNECA, I am immensely thankful for the collaborative spirit that has always permeated our work. The institution has been a source of inspiration and strength, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity that has propelled our work forward. UNECA's leadership and vision have enabled us at the African Centre for Statistics to carry out our mission with purpose and clarity.

To our partners across the globe-the AfDB, AU, EU, ONS/UK, RECs, UNSD, UN specialized agencies, World Bank, Bloomberg Philanthropy, national statistical offices, and countless other organizations-you have played an integral role in shaping the statistical landscape of Africa. Our partnerships were not merely professional alliances; they were collective commitments to the betterment of our continent. Thank you for your continued support and shared vision for a better, data-driven Africa.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the experts from ECA member states and Africa's statistical Elders who have been steadfast in their support of the African Centre for Statistics. Your trust in the work we do, and your belief in our technical assistance, have been instrumental in advancing the statistical capacity across the continent. It is through your collaboration and commitment that we have been able to deliver reliable data that informs policymaking at the highest levels. Your dedication to improving national statistical systems has made a lasting impact, and I thank you for your partnership.

A special thank you to My Family - No journey is ever travelled alone, and today I must express my deepest gratitude to my family. You have been my pillar of strength throughout this incredible journey. Your patience, encouragement, and unwavering support have allowed me to pursue my passion for statistical development with all my heart. The sacrifices you made, often quietly, have been the bedrock upon which my professional life was built. I could not have achieved what I have without you, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Finally, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each one of you. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated professionals. While I am retiring in three months from my formal role, I remain a steadfast advocate for the advancement of statistics in Africa. Let us continue to harness the power of data to shape a brighter future for our continent.

Friends and colleagues, as I close my remarks, I would like to reiterate. I have been humbled by your collaborations and support as Director of the African Centre for Statistics. It has been a great honor to serve.

I am also grateful to the support and encouragements of the Executive Secretaries of the UN Economic Commission for Africa with whom I served. I would like to say that I am retiring from the UN but not from supporting the young African statisticians. I believe they are the pillars of statistical development in Africa. Let me conclude on a good note to say that my career evolves on as I have just been appointed as Board Chair of the Zambia Statistics Agency. I thank you.

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