By 
The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) has launched a National Data Science Training Hub, a milestone initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s statistical capacity and enhancing evidence-based decision-making.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka on Monday, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said the hub aligns with key policy frameworks, including the Statistics Act No. 13 of 2018 and the Eighth National Development Plan.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Ministry Secretary for Planning and Administration Prudence Kaoma, Musokotwane said the hub would modernise how government collects, manages, and uses data.
“When data is timely, accurate, and easy to use, it guides planning, budgeting, as well as the formulation and implementation of programmes in ways that improve people’s lives,” he said.
Read more: Zambia chamber of commerce calls for action on border inefficiencies to drive regional trade
Musokotwane commended the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), working through Statistics Sweden, in helping to establish the facility.
At the same event, German Embassy Chargé d’Affaires and Head of Cooperation, Andreas Pletziger, described the hub as a significant step in advancing Zambia’s capacity to generate and apply quality data, particularly in areas such as national food and nutrition security.
“Reliable data is the foundation of good governance and decision-making. With accurate and timely statistics, Zambia can design policies that respond to real needs, allocate resources more effectively, and monitor progress towards national and global development goals,” he said.
He disclosed that Germany, through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, had provided 35 state-of-the-art all-in-one desktop computers, equipped with licensed software such as STATA and SPSS, to make the hub a fully functional centre of excellence.
Pletziger added that Germany’s support to Zambia extended beyond statistics to areas including nutrition, governance, climate resilience, and education. “A well-trained workforce, equipped with modern tools, will ensure that decisions are guided by facts and transparency,” he noted.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting ZamStats in its transformation into a strategic institution.
“ZamStats is not only producing high-quality statistics but is also building capacity across the national statistical system. This role is vital to ensure that data is not only collected but also effectively used to inform policy and drive development,” Hallenborg said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments