Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) says it is set to transform how it communicates official statistics by adopting simpler, more accessible and digitally driven approaches.
This follows its participation in a high-level Pan-African seminar on strategic statistical communication held in Ethiopia.
The seminar, organised by the African union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC) and the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), brought together statistical experts from across the continent to explore ways of strengthening public trust and ensuring official statistics play a greater role in informing development.
The three-day meeting underscored the need for national statistical offices to evolve from being mere producers of data into trusted institutions that create public value by making statistics understandable, accessible and relevant to citizens.
In an interview, ZIMSTAT communications and public relations manager Ms Sibonisiwe Dube, said the agency had identified several key lessons from the seminar that it would implement to strengthen engagement with the public.
She said one of the priorities would be simplifying statistical products to ensure they are easily understood by all Zimbabweans.
“We will strengthen our engagement with citizens by producing simpler statistical products that are easier to understand.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Zimbabwean can see the relevance of statistics in their daily lives,” said Ms Dube.
She said ZIMSTAT would also expand its use of digital platforms to improve access to official statistics and enhance interaction with citizens and policymakers.
“ZIMSTAT is embracing digital platforms to reach wider audiences and make official statistics more accessible.
“Improved digital communication will allow us to connect directly with citizens and policymakers in real time,” she said.
Ms Dube said the agency was also investing in better data visualisation to make complex statistical information easier to interpret.
“We are investing in better data visualisation so that complex information can be presented in clear, compelling formats.
“Visual tools will help decision-makers and the public grasp trends and issues more quickly,” she said.
She added that ZIMSTAT was shifting towards a more proactive communication strategy aimed at anticipating public information needs and strengthening confidence in official statistics.
“Our communication will no longer be reactive; we are moving towards proactive strategies that anticipate public needs.
“This approach will build trust and ensure that statistics are part of the national conversation before decisions are made,” she said.
The new approach aligns Zimbabwe with emerging continental best practices designed to ensure official statistics are widely understood, readily accessible and effectively used to support evidence-based policymaking and national development.
