The National Institute of Statistics (INE) will conduct a pilot population census in August to prepare for the 2027 General Population and Housing Census, an operation estimated at over 110 million dollars. The information was provided by the institute’s president, Eliza Magaua, who explained that this phase will be essential for fine-tuning the instruments to be used in the national process.
The announcement was made in Maputo during the launch ceremony of the cartography that will serve as the basis for the statistical operation planned for next year. According to Eliza Magaua, the exercise will allow testing of various technical and operational procedures. The goal is to ensure that the entire process proceeds with greater accuracy, organization, and reliability.
“It is important to note that the pilot census for the 2027 Census will take place in August of this year. This phase is extremely important as it will allow the evaluation and validation of questionnaires, technological systems, operational procedures, and the organization of fieldwork,” stated Eliza Magaua.
According to the official, this stage will also ensure that all components are properly adjusted before implementing the national census. She added that the process is being prepared with the support of international partners. The World Bank has already secured initial funding of 12.7 million dollars to support the operation.
“The information collected during this phase will allow us to rigorously prepare for the final stage of the census, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 15, 2027,” explained Eliza Magaua, adding that the operation could become an important milestone in the modernization of the country’s statistical system.
On the same occasion, Eliza Magaua appealed to the professionalism of the cartography agents who will work in the field in the coming months. She called for dedication, discipline, and respect in interactions with communities and households, emphasizing that public cooperation will be decisive for the success of the process.
“I would also like to appeal for the collaboration of everyone—administrative authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, and citizens—to welcome and support the cartography agents in carrying out their duties,” added the INE president.
Meanwhile, the national director of Economic Policies and Development, Teles Huo, highlighted that the 2027 census will have historic significance for the country. According to him, it will be the first fully digital population census conducted in Mozambique.
“Forty-six years later, we will have a fully digital census. This is indeed an important milestone to be recognized, and it shows that we are also investing in this field,” stated Teles Huo, adding that the data collected will be essential to support public policy formulation and improve development planning.
Source: Diário Económico
