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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged the Zambian government to actively use critical data reports rather than letting them gather dust in offices.
UNFPA Country Representative, Seth Broekman, stated that while collecting high-quality data is essential, the real challenge lies in ensuring its effective use.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in Lusaka during the dissemination of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing Revised Population Summary Report, Volume 2 and the 2022/2023 Employment and Earnings Inquiry Report at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
“These reports must not sit on shelves in any office but should actively inform decision-making across all sectors,” Broekman said.
He called on policymakers, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to engage with the data, apply its findings, and translate evidence into tangible actions that improve the lives of Zambians.
Broekman further noted that leveraging accurate and timely data could help Zambia strengthen its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, mitigating the impact of crises, particularly those linked to climate change.
The country has faced recurrent climate-related shocks, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks such as cholera, which disrupt lives, livelihoods, and essential services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Beyond immediate response efforts, Broekman stressed that resilience-building requires a long-term, data-driven approach.
“By integrating statistical insights into national planning, Zambia can shift from crisis response to risk reduction,” he stated.
At the same event, Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, encouraged the private sector to utilise the newly released data to enhance Zambia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
He highlighted that the reports provided reliable statistics on Zambia’s population size, offering valuable insights for business growth and expansion.
“The government has always prioritized data-driven decision-making, and these reports underscore the importance of robust statistical analysis in fostering sustainable national development,” Musokotwane said.
He stated that accurate data was essential for effective resource allocation, national development planning, and policy formulation.
It also serves as a benchmark for monitoring progress toward both national and international development goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) Board Chairperson, Oliver Chinganya, also underscored the importance of the reports, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
“The Census serves as the cornerstone of national planning, influencing decisions in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and social services,” Chinganya said.
He added that the Employment and Earnings Inquiry provides invaluable insights into labor market trends, empowering both the government and the private sector to develop policies that foster job creation, enhance productivity, and drive inclusive economic growth.
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