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Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has called on the newly appointed board of the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) to provide accurate and timely data crucial for the country’s development.
Musokotwane, speaking in Lusaka on Tuesday at the swearing-in ceremony of the new board members, stated the importance of stabilising the institution and ensuring the continued delivery of reliable data that plays a vital role in the country’s growth.
“We have huge expectations from this board, and we acknowledge the immense pressures the agency has faced in the past. Your job is to rise above these challenges and ensure that ZamStats remains a key pillar in our development efforts,” Musokotwane stated.
The new ZamStats board consists of Oliver Chinganya as Chairperson, with Eustarkio Kazonga, Versper Chisumpa, Peter Zgambo, Bwalya Salamu, Jeremiah Banda, Chitalu Chiliba, and Shilamwe Mwaanga as board members.
Musokotwane expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their leadership and contributions, especially in navigating the challenges that the agency has faced.
He noted that despite these pressures, the expectations from the government and the people of Zambia remain high.
“We appreciate the work done by the outgoing board, which has laid the foundation for the new board to build upon. However, the new board is expected to take ZamStats to greater heights,” he added.
The minister underscored the significant role ZamStats plays in providing the necessary data that informs government policies, planning, and decision-making.
Accurate and timely data, he said, is a cornerstone for effective development programs, economic planning, and addressing key national challenges.
In his acceptance speech, Chinganya, the newly appointed Chairperson of the board, assured the minister and the Zambian people that the board would work to elevate ZamStats to new levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
He expressed commitment to steering the agency forward, focusing on improving its data collection and dissemination systems, and enhancing its credibility and relevance in national planning and development.
“We are committed to ensuring that ZamStats remains a credible source of data that will help shape the future of Zambia. Our focus will be on delivering timely, accurate, and reliable data to support evidence-based decision-making across all sectors of the economy,” Chinganya stated.
The Zambia Statistics Agency plays a critical role in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that helps inform government policies, track the progress of various sectors, and measure the success of national programmes.
These data are essential for ensuring that Zambia continues on a path of sustainable growth, and that the country can address its challenges effectively and equitably.
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