Guinea-Bissau is on the cusp of a historic moment. For the first time, the nation is preparing to conduct a fully digital census, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to revolutionize data collection and inform critical development strategies for years to come. This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) with support from UNFPA and the World Bank, is poised to paint a comprehensive and accurate portrait of the nation.
Jussário, a young cartographer from Bissau, embodies the spirit of this transformation. Meticulously tracing the lines of his neighborhood on a digital map, his eyes reflect the profound significance of his work. He is part of a dedicated team of cartography agents who saw in this project an opportunity to contribute to the development of the country, and have undergone rigorous training in cartography, data digitization, and the use of cutting-edge technologies.
"This census is about more than just numbers," Jussário explains, his voice filled with pride. "It's about understanding who we are as a nation, where we need to invest in schools and hospitals, and how we can create a better future for our children."
The first stage was the training. Jussário learned about cartography, data digitization, and the use of new technologies. He marveled at the practicality of the CAPI application, which replaced the notebooks and pens of the past. Jussário is part of a dedicated team preparing for the country's first-ever digital census, a massive undertaking spearheaded by UNFPA. With support from the World Bank, expert consultants have trained the INE team, and the INE team trained Jussário and his colleagues in cutting-edge techniques, equipping them with tablets and software to ensure every person in Guinea-Bissau is counted.
Empowering Communities, Building the Future
The transition to a digital census marks a significant leap forward for Guinea-Bissau. By replacing traditional pen-and-paper methods with tablets and specialized software like the CAPI application, the census promises to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of data collection. This historic shift to a digital census has been made possible through a powerful collaboration between UNFPA, the World Bank, and INE. Expert consultants have been deployed across the country, equipping census workers like Jussário and his colleagues with the skills and tools needed to ensure a comprehensive and accurate count. Through rigorous training in cutting-edge techniques and the provision of tablets loaded with specialized software, every person in Guinea-Bissau will be counted, their stories captured in this monumental undertaking.
Cadija, a survey agent, is one of the many individuals on the front lines of this historic endeavor. Equipped with her tablet and a strong sense of purpose, she is ready to embark on a journey that will take her door-to-door, connecting with people from all walks of life. "I'm excited to meet people from all walks of life," she shares, "and to contribute to this important project, to paint a portrait of my nation, one household at a time."
The 2025 census represents the culmination of years of meticulous planning and preparation. Every detail, from digital mapping and questionnaire design to the training of census workers, has been carefully considered to ensure a comprehensive and accurate population count. This collaborative effort has not only equipped Guinea-Bissau with the tools and expertise needed for a successful digital census but has also empowered INE to take ownership of the process, fostering national capacity and sustainability.
As the enumeration begins, the hopes and dreams of Guinea-Bissau rest on the shoulders of these dedicated individuals. Their work will provide crucial data for evidence-based decision-making, informing policies and programs related to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. The digital census is not merely about counting people; it's about empowering communities and building a brighter future for Guinea-Bissau. For Jussário, Cadija, and countless others, this census is a chance to contribute to a brighter future for their country.
Guinea-Bissau's long-awaited IV General Population and Housing Census will commence enumeration in September 2025. This critical undertaking will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's demographics, housing conditions, and socio-economic characteristics. The data collected will be instrumental in informing government policy, resource allocation, and development planning for years to come. Preparations are underway to ensure a successful and inclusive census process across the country.
