Angola's National Statistics Institute (INE) has called for a significant strengthening of statistical literacy to improve how policymakers, academics and other users understand, interpret and apply official data, as the country embarks on a comprehensive review of its statistical framework.
INE Administrator Anália da Silva made the call on Wednesday in Luanda on the second day of the Public Consultation on the revision of the National Statistical System Law and the drafting of a new National Statistical Development Strategy covering 2026 to 2032. Speaking to journalists following the session, she stressed that not every figure circulated publicly qualifies as official statistics, and that such classification depends on whether the data was produced and disseminated by the country's authorised statistical producers.
Da Silva emphasised the importance of verifying the origin of any publicly available information to determine whether it was released by Angola's principal official statistical producers — namely the National Statistics Institute, the National Bank of Angola (BNA) and the Ministry of Finance.
She was explicit that data released outside those three institutions may be analysed and cited, but should not be treated as official statistics. "Information that has not been published by those entities can be analysed, but must not be considered official statistics," she said.
The INE administrator added that the proposed revision of the National Statistical System Law introduces statistical literacy as one of its foundational principles, with the aim of deepening public understanding of statistical concepts and promoting the appropriate use of officially produced data.
Journalist and economist Daniel Sapateiro described the consultation as a critical exercise, particularly for its role in bringing the INE closer to journalists and other actors responsible for transmitting economic information to market participants and the broader public.
That closer engagement, Sapateiro argued, equips journalists with the training and knowledge needed to translate complex and highly technical data into clear, accessible language for general audiences — a function he said was essential to informed public debate.
On practical grounds, Sapateiro recommended the creation and strict observance of an official statistical release calendar, as well as ongoing training programmes for journalists to sharpen their capacity to interpret and contextualise official data.
He also recommended the establishment of legal mechanisms to allow the INE to generate its own revenue streams, thereby ensuring greater financial sustainability for the studies and statistical operations planned under the 2026–2032 strategy.
The Public Consultation on the revision of the National Statistical System Law and the elaboration of the new National Statistical Development Strategy runs from 29 September to 2 October, with the objective of gathering contributions to refine both instruments and strengthen coordination among all stakeholders in Angola's official statistics ecosystem.
Source: ANGOP / Original article: https://www.angop.ao/noticias/economia/ine-advoga-maior-literacia-para-melhorar-uso-das-estatisticas-oficiais/
