The African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC) announces the publication of the Peer Review Report of the National Statistical System (NSS) of the Kingdom of Lesotho, conducted from 25 to 29 August 2025 in Maseru under the Pan-African Statistics Programme II (PAS II), funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France.
This publication marks a significant milestone in strengthening statistical governance, coordination, and data quality across the African continent.
A continental mechanism to reinforce statistical governance
The Peer Review is a flagship assessment mechanism of the African Statistical System designed to help AU Member States improve the performance of their NSS in alignment with the African Charter on Statistics and the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
Led by senior African statisticians, the review provides an independent assessment of national statistical systems, identifying strengths, challenges, and priority actions to modernise statistical production and enhance evidence-based policymaking.
Key findings: a committed statistical system facing structural constraints
The review highlights several notable strengths of Lesotho’s statistical system, including:
- A strong culture of professional independence, with no pre-release access to statistics;
- A functional macroeconomic statistics working group that supports methodological harmonisation;
- A well-designed BOS Data Portal that facilitates user access to key indicators;
- A national willingness to modernise the Statistics Act of 2001.
However, the Peer Review also identifies structural challenges that limit the effectiveness of the NSS, such as:
- The non-functioning National Statistical Council, weakening statistical governance;
- Insufficient human, financial and ICT resources within the Bureau of Statistics;
- Limited access to administrative data due to conflicting legislation;
- Inactive technical working groups and outdated Memoranda of Understanding;
- Delays in the publication of key statistics, including labour and economic indicators.
Strategic recommendations to strengthen Lesotho’s NSS
The Peer Review mission formulates 23 recommendations, structured around five strategic priorities:
- Reinforce the organisation and coordination of the NSS, including revitalising the National Statistical Council and technical working groups.
- Enhance the institutional and legal environment, notably through the modernisation of the Statistics Act and alignment with the African Charter on Statistics.
- Improve the quality of official statistics, by strengthening quality assurance, expanding data disaggregation and publishing methodological guidelines.
- Optimise statistical processes, including better integration of administrative data and improved cooperation with ministries and agencies.
- Expand dissemination and data accessibility, through a comprehensive publication calendar, improved timeliness, and user-friendly data tools.
STATAFRIC reaffirms its support to Lesotho
STATAFRIC reiterates its commitment to supporting the Kingdom of Lesotho in the implementation of the Peer Review recommendations, including in areas such as:
- Statistical governance and coordination,
- Legal and institutional reforms,
- Strengthening of human capital and ICT infrastructure,
- Improved dissemination and communication of official statistics.
This initiative contributes to the African Union’s broader vision of building a robust, harmonised, and high-quality continental statistical ecosystem, capable of informing policies, strengthening regional integration, and supporting sustainable development across Africa.
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