Ethiopia embraces AI-driven digital census to advance statistical accuracy

Ethiopia is preparing to launch a fully digital Population and Housing Census, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data to enhance the precision and effectiveness of its statistical data. Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced this innovative approach at the ninth meeting of the Statistical Commission for Africa. He highlighted Ethiopia’s dedication to technological transformation, aligning the initiative with the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030), which calls for digital advancements in Africa’s statistical development.

Tiruneh underscored how digitalisation could significantly enhance planning and decision-making processes across Ethiopia’s public sector. This is reported by  Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

Deputy Prime Minister explained that leveraging AI and Big Data would allow Ethiopia to produce more reliable data, critical for guiding sustainable development and tracking progress towards the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Addis Ababa’s use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) already demonstrates the impact of digital technology, allowing for more accurate identification of development areas and pinpointing underserved locations, Tiruneh noted. By incorporating AI and machine learning, Ethiopia aims to quickly analyse large datasets for economic and health trends, ensuring efficient and data-driven decision-making.

Additionally, the census forms part of Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan, which is underpinned by comprehensive data systems. The government also plans to carry out national surveys such as the Agricultural Census and the Demographic and Health Survey to further support targeted development strategies and real-time monitoring.

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