Reported by: Samuel Ernest.
Date: 25rh February, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based policymaking with the launch of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing Revised Population Summary Report and the 2022/2023 Employment and Earnings Inquiry Report. The reports, officially unveiled by Honourable Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, mark a milestone in the country’s transition toward data-driven governance.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Musokotwane underscored the importance of accurate, real-time data in shaping policies that drive economic growth, social development, and inclusive progress.
“This moment is a testament to Zambia’s dedication to leveraging comprehensive and reliable statistics for informed decision-making,” Dr. Musokotwane stated. “With the successful implementation of our first-ever digital census, we have set a new benchmark in modernizing statistical systems, ensuring greater accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of data.”
The 2022 Census, conducted under the theme “Everyone Counts”, reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive policy development and equitable resource allocation. The digital transformation of census-taking has placed Zambia at the forefront of statistical innovation in the region, allowing for real-time data analysis and enhanced decision-making.
Similarly, the 2022/2023 Employment and Earnings Inquiry provides critical insights into labour market dynamics, wage structures, and job creation patterns. These findings will inform strategic interventions aimed at enhancing employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women—key drivers of Zambia’s economic growth.
“The findings from these reports are more than statistics—they are a roadmap for Zambia’s future,” Dr. Musokotwane emphasized. “They enable us to align our policies with national development goals, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.”
The insights derived from these reports will directly influence key policy areas, driving sustainable development and economic resilience:
Strategic Resource Allocation – Ensuring effective budgeting for healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure, optimizing national investments.
Employment & Skills Development – Targeting youth and women through sector-specific investments in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and digital technology.
Enhancing Social Safety Nets – Strengthening support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, homeless, and people with disabilities.
Fostering Private Sector Growth – Leveraging employment data to attract investments, enhance business confidence, and create jobs.
Balanced Urban & Rural Development – Utilizing data-driven strategies to support sustainable urban expansion and rural economic growth.
“Our vision is clear: a prosperous, inclusive Zambia, where policies are guided by facts and driven by long-term impact,” the Finance Minister stated.
Dr. Musokotwane called on government agencies, policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, and development partners to harness the power of this data for socio-economic transformation.
“To achieve meaningful progress, we must work together—government, businesses, academia, and civil society—to translate data into action,” he urged. “The private sector, in particular, has a vital role in utilizing these insights for business expansion and job creation, ensuring Zambia’s competitiveness in the global economy.”
The Minister expressed profound gratitude to the partners and stakeholders who played a crucial role in these statistical exercises:
- Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) – For leading the seamless execution of Zambia’s first digital census.
- Field Staff & Enumerators – For their dedication and commitment to ensuring comprehensive national coverage.
- International Development Partners – Including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNECA, ILO, USAID, and the World Bank, for their technical and financial support in conducting these crucial surveys.
- The Zambian People – For their cooperation and participation, ensuring that the collected data accurately reflects the realities of communities nationwide.
As Zambia moves forward, the New Dawn Government remains steadfast in its commitment to leveraging data-driven insights for national progress. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and informed policy-making, Zambia is paving the way for sustained economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards.
The Agency.