The 19th Session of the Committee of Directors General of National Statistics Offices (CoDGs) successfully convenes to assess progress and achievements of the Specialized Technical Groups (STGs) of SHaSA II and the African Statistical Coordination Committee (ASCC), discuss challenges faced and make recommendations for improvements.
Hosted by the African Union Commission (STATAFRIC) and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Session brought together Directors-General of National Statistical Offices (NSOs), representatives from Pan-African Institutions, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and key Development Partners.
The Session was officially opened by H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission and H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The discussions were framed by the African Union's 2025 Theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” highlighting the indispensable role of timely, credible, and disaggregated statistics in addressing historical and contemporary inequities.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, underscored the progress over the past ten years in the development of statistics. “We have witnessed significant improvements in statistical coordination, capacity building, and the production of reliable data to guide our development policies. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, we will continue to build a robust African Statistical System that supports the Africa we want." said H.E Selma
We welcome the ongoing process of revision of the Charter, which will ensure that it remains relevant to new realities, such as digital transformation, data innovation, and the growing demand for real-time statistics. “I take this opportunity to encourage all Member States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the African Charter on Statistics before the revision of this document be finalized, thereby reinforcing our shared commitment to sound statistical governance in Africa.” H.E Selma
Speaking during the opening, H.E Temesgen Tiruneh, the Deputy Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia described statistics as “the compass that guides Africa’s development aspirations—and turns them into reality.” He emphasized that evidence-based data must underpin policymaking and development programs across the continent.
“Today, we opened the 19th Regular Meeting of the Committee of Directors-General of African National Statistics Offices here in Addis Ababa. And we did so with a simple truth in mind: if we want to build the Africa we imagine, we must ground our work in facts, in evidence, and in data we can trust.” said H.E Temesgen
H.E Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia Minister of Finance Stressed that, Statistics are the backbone of informed governance. “They clarify complex realities, illuminate disparities, and guide policy choices. A nation cannot design effective development strategies, monitor progress, or ensure accountability without credible, timely and disaggregated data”
The Minister also acknowledged the significant statistical reforms undertaken by the host country, Ethiopia, including the implementation of the Ethiopian Statistical Development Program (ESDP) and major data generation efforts such as the Agricultural Census and Demographic and Health Surveys.
Dr. Beker Shale, Director General of Ethiopian Statistics Service reaffirmed the centrality of statistics as the “lifeblood of evidence-based decision-making,” crucial for informed governance, policy choices, and ensuring accountability across the continent.
The Directors General of Statistics (CoDGs) committed to strengthening national statistical systems to document historical truths and inform transformative policy, focusing on developing reliable indicators for inequality, justice, and discrimination, and leveraging digital and big data innovations. They resolved to hold the STATCOM and CoDG meetings consecutively in 2026 for enhanced efficiency and coordination. The CoDGs further called upon AU Member States to implement these data-driven approaches, promote the production and use of disaggregated data, establish a professional order for statisticians, actively engage with international partners, and sign/ratify the African Charter on Statistics (ACS).
They also urged Pan-African Organisations and partners to establish dedicated programs to assist fragile states, initiate pilot projects on AI and emerging technologies, and align their support with national needs, while also reinforcing STATAFRIC's institutional status as the continental statistical authority and nominating members to its board. The Session concluded with a unified call for stronger cooperation and solidarity among NSOs to advance peer learning, harmonize methodologies, and collectively elevate the integrity of African statistics on the global stage.
The African Union Commission and STATAFRIC expressed deep gratitude to the Development Partners, including the World Bank, the European Union (through the Pan-African Statistics Programme—PASII), and Statistics Sweden, for their steadfast support in advancing the statistical agenda of the continent.
For further information, please contact:
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Dr. Jose Awong | Ag. Head of Statistics System Coordination and Innovation | STATAFRIC | E-mail: Alenej@africanunion.org
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Ms. Aberash Tariku | Coordination Expert | STATAFRIC | E-mail: AberashT@africanunion.org
Media Contact:
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Mr. Noel John | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Kenyin@africanunion.org
