In celebration of African Statistics Day (18 November), we're proud to highlight some of the progress made in strengthening agricultural statistics across the continent.

As FAO’s World Census Programme 2020 comes to a close in 2025, 15 African countries (Botswana, Comoros, Central Africa Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are undertaking the design and implementation of national agricultural censuses in 2024.

Furthermore, the number of African countries compiling national food balance sheets is steadily increasing. These comprehensive datasets track food availability for human consumption, covering crucial metrics like calories, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins and other micro- and macro-nutrients.

This data is crucial for developing effective food security and nutrition policies. Over recent years, the Statistics Unit of the FAO regional office for Africa has collaborated closely with the Global Strategy for improving Agricultural and Rural Statistics phase II (GSARS-II), different regional economic commissions, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to support the compilation of these vital food balance sheets.

This demonstrates the transformative impact of robust agricultural statistics in building resilient food systems across Africa. As we commemorate African Statistics Day, let us renew our commitment to empowering African nations with the data-driven insights to advance towards the goal of Zero Hunger.