Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully completed its nationwide cartographic mapping exercise for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, culminating in the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station, Freetown, on June 19, 2026.
The landmark event marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census and underscored the country’s commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized national census.
The symbolic exercise was attended by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who actively participated in the mapping process by responding to questions administered by the mapping team in his capacity as Head of Household. The event also attracted the First Lady of Sierra Leone, senior government officials, representatives of the media, the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the GIS and Cartographic Mapping Consultant, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for the Census, and members of the management and staff of Statistics Sierra Leone.
The completion of the cartographic mapping exercise follows months of extensive fieldwork carried out across the country. The exercise is a critical component of census preparation, ensuring that all structures and households are accurately identified and assigned to Enumeration Areas ahead of the main population count.
Addressing the gathering, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, updated President Bio on the progress made towards the census. He highlighted the successful implementation of the Pilot Census, the completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Mock Census.
He emphasized that the successful completion of the mapping phase demonstrates Statistics Sierra Leone’s readiness to proceed with the next stages of the census process and reflects the institution’s determination to ensure that every household in the country is captured.
The Cartographic Mapping Consultant, Dr. Foluke Adebayo, delivered a detailed presentation on the mapping process and outlined the methodologies employed throughout the nationwide exercise. Her presentation was followed by the screening of a simulation video showcasing key achievements and milestones recorded during the mapping operation.
Speaking during the event, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio described the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge as an important moment in the country’s census preparations.
“This morning, Statistics Sierra Leone officially mapped the Presidential Lodge, marking the final step in our nationwide cartographic mapping process that began in October 2025. This will guide the conduct of a credible and accurate census in 2026, providing data to directly inform our future development planning,” President Bio stated.
The President commended Statistics Sierra Leone for the remarkable progress achieved thus far and reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
He stressed the importance of reliable census data in national planning, policymaking, and resource allocation, noting that accurate population statistics remain essential for driving sustainable development and improving service delivery across the country.
The event concluded with the official symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge, formally signifying the successful completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise.
Cartographic mapping is one of the most important pre-census activities, providing the framework for the main enumeration process by ensuring accurate delineation of Enumeration Areas and comprehensive coverage of all structures and households. Its successful completion represents a major step toward delivering a credible, reliable, and high-quality 2026 Population and Housing Census for Sierra Leone.
With the mapping phase now concluded, Statistics Sierra Leone is expected to intensify preparations for the Mock Census and subsequent enumeration activities as the country moves closer to conducting one of its most important national statistical exercises.
