Bissau, 28th April 2025 – A pivotal step towards the successful realization of Guinea-Bissau's 4th General Population and Housing Census was taken today with the signing of a crucial memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the National Institute of Statistics (INE). This agreement is set to unlock essential resources, addressing a critical budget shortfall and paving the way for this vital national statistical undertaking.
The memorandum, signed in Bissau, provides for additional funding to be managed by UNFPA. This vital contribution is specifically allocated to cover the existing budget gap, ensuring that INE has the necessary financial support to conduct a comprehensive and accurate census.
The signing ceremony was a significant event, attended by key figures including the UNFPA Representative in Guinea-Bissau, the President of INE, and the Coordinator of the World Bank's Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA) project in Guinea-Bissau. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and the importance placed on this census by both national and international partners.
This agreement represents more than just a financial transaction; it is a firm commitment to equipping Guinea-Bissau with up-to-date and reliable demographic and housing data. Such information is the bedrock for informed decision-making, crucial for:
- Effective Planning for Sustainable Development: Guiding national strategies to address the country's specific needs and challenges.
- Formulating Targeted Public Policies: Ensuring that government programs and services reach the populations that need them most.
- Promoting Equitable Resource Allocation: Distributing national resources fairly across all regions and communities.
The 4th General Population and Housing Census will provide an indispensable, accurate snapshot of Guinea-Bissau's current socio-economic landscape. This data is not merely numbers; it is a powerful tool for driving national progress and ensuring that development efforts are truly responsive to the needs and realities of the Guinean population.
Through this strengthened partnership with INE, UNFPA proudly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau in building robust statistical capacities and generating the high-quality data essential for accelerating sustainable development and improving the lives of all its citizens.
