Ethiopia: Ministry Enhances Efforts to Address Discrepancies in Data and Statistics

The Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) emphasized the necessity for collective action to effectively address the myriad challenges arising from the improper usage of data and statistics. During a forum convened at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), State Minister Nemera Gebeyehu underscored the critical importance of leveraging shared experiences and insights to tackle these pressing issues. Drawing from Ethiopia's rich experience in data and statistics, Gebeyehu emphasized the imperative of collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders to navigate the complexities of data utilization responsibly.

In his address, Gebeyehu highlighted the role of such forums as instrumental platforms for facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs). By fostering a culture of collective action and knowledge-sharing, he emphasized, nations can harness the power of data and statistics to drive meaningful progress and achieve transformative outcomes across various sectors.Furthermore, Gebeyehu stressed the pivotal role of data and statistics in informing evidence-based decision-making processes, particularly within the context of Africa's development agenda. Emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to prioritize data accuracy, accessibility, and reliability, he underscored that the effective utilization of data is fundamental to realizing the continent's developmental aspirations.

In conclusion, Gebeyehu reiterated the significance of giving due attention to data and statistics, emphasizing that their proper utilization is not only essential for informed policymaking but also indispensable for fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth across the African continent.According to Nemera, the prevailing challenge across many African countries lies in the insufficient integration of data, statistics, and policymaking processes. He highlighted a pervasive cultural gap that impedes the effective utilization of data in informing policy decisions. Specifically, Nemera pointed out a significant disconnection between statistical insights and the formulation of policies in Ethiopia, underscoring the severity of this issue.

Moreover, Nemera identified another critical factor contributing to the lack of significant progress in data and statistics processes: the dependency on external capabilities rather than building local institutional capacity. He emphasized that this reliance on external expertise hampers the effectiveness of development planning and the implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) initiatives. This reliance underscores the need for concerted efforts to strengthen local institutions and empower them with the necessary skills and resources to drive meaningful progress in data and statistics processes.In light of these challenges, Nemera stressed the imperative for serious attention and collective advocacy to address the systemic issues plaguing the domain of data and statistics.

He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, advocating for comprehensive reforms aimed at bridging the gap between data insights and policy formulation. Nemera's remarks underscored the urgent need for concerted action to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of data and statistics in driving sustainable development and inclusive growth across Africa.Nemera reiterated the importance of every institution prioritizing the proper utilization of data and statistics throughout the African continent. He emphasized that each institution has a crucial role to play in ensuring that data and statistics are effectively utilized to inform decision-making processes. This entails establishing coordination mechanisms with various stakeholders involved in data production, management, and dissemination.

Highlighting capacity limitations and challenges related to accessing high-quality data, Nemera underscored the need for a modern approach to data utilization. He emphasized the importance of addressing these obstacles to unlock the full potential of data and statistics in driving development initiatives and achieving sustainable outcomes.Furthermore, Nemera outlined Ethiopia's ambitious plans to conduct three censuses within the next three years, focusing on agriculture, business establishments, and health and education sectors. These initiatives reflect Ethiopia's commitment to improving data collection and analysis processes, thereby enhancing evidence-based policymaking and fostering informed decision-making at both national and regional levels.