Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has received 25,000 tablets and accessories as preparations intensify for the December 2026 Population and Housing Census.

The equipment, which includes power banks and protective tablet cases, was officially received on 7 October 2026 at Tower Hill in Freetown. The procurement was fully funded by the Government of Sierra Leone.

The latest consignment adds to the 4,000 tablets received in 2025 for the national cartographic mapping exercise.

According to Stats SL, the tablets will be used by Census personnel to collect, validate and transmit data electronically during the national enumeration, scheduled to begin on 2 December 2026.

The digital approach is expected to improve the accuracy, efficiency and timeliness of data collection while reducing reliance on paper questionnaires and manual data entry.

Speaking at the receipt of the equipment, Chief Technical Adviser for the 2026 Census, Dr Colins Opiyo; Director of Communication and Public Relations, Samuel Ansumana; and Officer-in-Charge of Operations and Logistics, Moses Johnson, described the delivery as a major milestone in the technical and operational preparations for the Census.

Stats SL said it remains committed to conducting a credible, accurate and inclusive Census to provide reliable data for national planning, policymaking and evidence-based decision-making.

The institution has called on the public to cooperate with Census personnel and provide accurate information to ensure that every household and individual is properly counted.

Census Night is scheduled for 1 December 2026, with enumeration beginning on 2 December 2026, under the campaign message: “Leh Den Kont You Ooh!”