Press Release

Mogadishu, Sunday, June 25, 2023 — SNBS launches the first Ever Somalia Social Sector Statistics Strategy, a national guide for data production & availability that enables informed planning & effective socioeconomic development. The Strategy seeks to address challenges in social statistics production with respect to statutory and institutional framework, statistical and physical infrastructure and human resource capacity gaps. It also seeks to provide for governance mechanism and implementation arrangements for effective oversight and supervision in the application of the strategy.

SNBS is committed to strengthening Somalia’s National Social Statistical System and improve programming and analytical capacity of the social development institutions to enable them to regularly assess, analyze and improve social policies and the government’s performance and results. The Strategy was accomplished with technical support from UNICEF Somalia.

Accomplishment of the Social Sector Statistics Strategy is a culmination of series of consultative sessions during which relevant policy documents were also reviewed. The development and validation process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders within the National Statistical System, cementing ownership and incorporation of valuable insights. Together with Partners, SNBS is building a robust statistical system that can effectively respond to the evolving societal needs.

Subsequently, the availability of quality social statistics will successfully provide a quantitative basis for informed decision-making, better planning for socio-economic development and respond adequately to the data requirements for monitoring and evaluation of Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the launch of the Social Statistics Strategy, The Federal Minister for Planning, Investment and Economic Development, H.E Mohamud Beenebeene remarked, “the Social Sector Statistical Strategy is a national guide for social data production & its availability enables informed planning & effective socioeconomic development. Developing this Social Sector Statistics Strategy does not only address coordination challenges, strengthen institutions, and reduce data gaps but also its successful implementation will have a transformative impact on Somalia’s social development”.

SNBS is responsible for compiling administrative data, conducting surveys and coordinating and approving all statistical activities in addition to publishing accurate, timely and reliable statistical information in Somalia to accelerate institutional reforms.

Since Its inception as the mandated government agency for statistical information collection, coordination, and dissemination under the National Statistics Law No. 24, SNBS is laying the foundation for evidence-based policies and programs that improve people’s well-being. It was realized that this requires a collective government and partners’ efforts to harmonize, standardize, operationalize and coordinate the production and dissemination of quality social statistics for the benefit of users.

“SNBS is striving to avail to the Nation accurate and comprehensive data for effective policy-making and program implementation. The work of Social Sector Statistics Department is thus commendable for their expertise and dedication in shaping this strategy and making its realization a success”,  observed the SNBS DG, Sharmarke Farah at the launch event. The DG also extended his acknowledgement to Social Development line ministries, departments and agencies, Civil Society, Academia, Private Sector and development partners, particularly UNCEF Somalia for their cooperation, valuable contribution and unwavering support towards Somalia’s development agenda.

The Social Statistics Strategy launch event has had a high level participation including Federal Minister of Planning, Investment & Economic Development, Deputy Minister of Water and Energy, Chairperson of Upper House Social Affairs Committee, Director General & Deputy Director General, SNBS, Development Partners, representatives from UN bodies, aid agencies, research firms, the academia, media fraternity and other NSS stakeholders.