By Jones Gadama
The National Statistical Office (NSO) is set to revolutionize its data collection systems by embracing technology to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
According to Commissioner of Statistics Shelton Kanyanda, the office is shifting towards using administrative records and digital tools, including tablets and web-scraping, for data collection.
This move is part of a new strategic plan that NSO is expected to launch next month. The plan aims to strengthen coordination among data providers, producers, and users through the National Statistical System.
Kanyanda emphasized the importance of transparency, saying, “We want data providers to understand how their information is used.”
The NSO is responsible for producing and disseminating official statistics in Malawi, and this modernization effort is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s data ecosystem.
By leveraging technology, NSO aims to reduce the rising costs associated with traditional household surveys and improve the timeliness and accuracy of data.
The use of digital tools will enable NSO to collect and analyze data more efficiently, allowing for more informed decision-making and policy development.
Additionally, the emphasis on transparency will help build trust among data providers, ensuring that they are comfortable sharing their information.
The launch of the new strategic plan will mark a significant milestone in NSO’s efforts to modernize its data collection systems.
As the office continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, it is poised to provide more accurate and timely data, ultimately contributing to Malawi’s development and growth.
With this initiative, NSO is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges associated with traditional data collection methods. By embracing technology and transparency, the office is setting a new standard for data collection and analysis in Malawi.
