(JUBA) – The National Bureau of Statistics of South Sudan has reported notable progress in data collection, skills development, and strategic planning during 2025, while also launching a new official website aimed at improving public access to national statistics.
The Bureau announced the launch of its upgraded website at www.nbs.gov.ss, which offers improved features and resources for government institutions, businesses, researchers, and development partners. A summary of the Bureau’s 2025 year end review has also been published, with a full report to be uploaded in the coming weeks.
According to the Bureau, the 2025 review highlights important achievements in large scale data collection. These include the completion of the seventh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which covered about 10,000 households nationwide, and the National Household Budget Survey, which reached around 6,000 households across the country. An update of about eleven percent of the national sampling frame was also completed with technical support from the International Labour Organization, improving the reliability of future surveys.
Capacity building remained a key focus during the year. The Bureau delivered intensive Stata training to government staff and academic institutions, strengthening data analysis skills across the public sector. In addition, ten young statisticians began structured traineeships in health, gender, and demographic statistics, supporting the development of local expertise.
Preparations for the next national census also advanced. With support from the United Nations Population Fund, the Bureau developed a census dossier and an operations manual. The Debt for Data initiative further supported funding arrangements and efforts to improve data quality ahead of the planned census exercise.
Work also began on the second National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, known as NSDS II. The process involves national and international consultants and a series of training sessions aimed at guiding a ten year plan for strengthening the statistical system in South Sudan.
Human resource reforms were another priority. An external consultant supported the development of a new recruitment plan and the revision of the Bureau’s human resources manual. These steps are intended to improve workforce capacity, align internal policies, and strengthen cooperation with partners.
The Bureau also increased its public visibility during the year through regular media engagements, including interviews on national platforms. Officials said this helped raise awareness of the role of official statistics in economic planning and national development.
International cooperation continued to play a central role in the Bureau’s work. Partnerships with United Nations agencies, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and regional institutions supported survey implementation, training programmes, and strategic planning activities.
During the year, the Bureau recognised contributions from key partners and stakeholders, including UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, senior Bureau leadership, media organisations, and the Ministry of Finance and Planning, acknowledging their role in advancing statistical development in South Sudan.
Despite the progress, the Bureau noted ongoing challenges, particularly continued reliance on international support and infrastructure constraints. Looking ahead to 2026, priorities include increased government funding, the expansion of surveys such as labour force and agricultural censuses, deeper thematic data analysis, and the completion of NSDS II to modernise the national statistical system.
The Bureau invited feedback on its new website and encouraged stakeholders to suggest additional content and ideas to help reach a wider audience, as it positions statistics as a key pillar for informed economic and policy decisions in South Sudan.
