The African Charter on Statistics is a legal instrument. Its purpose is to regulate statistical activities in the continent and serve as an advocacy tool for the development of statistics in Africa. It was adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) on 3 February 2009, following a participatory process in which all members of the African statistical system, African political authorities and development partners took part. The African Charter on Statistics consists in a strategic guidance framework that is to pave the way for the emergence of harmonised and reliable African statistical data that are produced and disseminated in a timely manner.
The African Charter on Statistics is a binding legal instrument, as it is an international treaty adopted by the Heads of State and Government and is subject to ratification by the Member States of the African Union. By ratifying the Charter, States parties pledge to take appropriate measures required to ensure compliance with it, even if this entails modifying their national legislation.
