Online Reporter
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THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Statistics Committee is set to convene in Victoria Falls from 27 to 29 May to review progress on regional statistical initiatives and strengthen cooperation in building robust statistical systems across the region.
In a statement, the regional bloc said the Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing statistical development, harmonising systems, and ensuring the production of accurate, timely and comparable data to support regional integration, evidence-based policymaking and the monitoring of development goals.
Top of the agenda will be discussions on policy instruments for regional statistics at both national and regional levels.
Particular focus will be placed on accelerating the signing and ratification of the SADC Protocol on Statistics, which was approved by the Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2021, SADC noted.
Key objectives of the meeting include reviewing the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (RSDS) and aligning statistical methodologies and indicators across SADC Member States.
The Committee will also focus on enhancing the institutional and technical capacity of National Statistics Offices (NSOs) and improving coordination in the collection and reporting of economic, social, and environmental data.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to reinforce regional statistical collaboration and promote evidence-based decision-making to drive sustainable development in Southern Africa.
