Harare, (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) said on Tuesday it is accelerating efforts to modernize its systems through expanded use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and citizen-generated information.
In a statement to mark African Statistics Day , Zimstat said the innovations, which mirror trends across the African continent, are strengthening its capacity to produce timely, reliable and accurate data for national development.
“Like other African states, Zimbabwe is investing in modernizing its national statistical system through initiatives to adopt digital technologies, artificial intelligence, geospatial tools, big data sources, and citizen-generated data to produce official statistics. Such innovations have already begun transforming the statistical ecosystem which is crucial for producing timely, reliable and accurate data,” it said.
Zimstat noted that the adoption of computer-assisted personal interviewing for all surveys has already improved the availability of high-quality data used to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and monitor implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
African Statistics Day is observed annually on 18 November to raise awareness of the vital role statistics play in driving socio- economic development.
The 2025 celebrations were held under the theme: “Leveraging innovations in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society for Africans.”
“The African Statistics Day theme highlights the increasing need to embrace technological innovations to strengthen data systems and support evidence-based policymaking,” Zimstat said, adding it reflects on the power of data in informing policy decisions, driving economic growth and improving the lives of citizens.
Zimstat said despite improvements since 2015, many African countries still lack sufficient data to report effectively on Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions
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