- Lapita Amulungu
Data is essential. It is responsible for painting a clear picture that depicts the type of condition a country is in. With a clearer image of the state the nation, the government can use data as a key tool in their approach to policy making and strategy. It is extremely difficult to address issues or implement strategies with any ounce of accuracy in the absence of relevant and current data.
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) is the leading body responsible for the collection, analysis, production and dissemination of the country’s official statistics. Other data collective platforms include the National Statistics System which is coordinated by the NSA as well as offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) of the government for more specific forms of data.
The NSA’s Challenges
Despite the NSA’s capacity as the mandated body for official statistics, data collection in this nation faces a multitude of challenges. These difficulties include the reduced financial resources allocated from the annual Namibian budget. A reduced budget can create a ripple effect in the form of delays and inaccuracies in census data and other important statistics.
The monetary constraints negatively impact the NSA by preventing quality data production. In addition, the maintenance and resources associated with quality data production are limited, preventing meaningful success in statistical activities. According to The Namibian in 2024, statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said the NSA’s allocated budget of N$18 million was insufficient, as the institution requires N$250 million in order to function efficiently. During the last financial year, a budget of N$232 million in total was allocated to the National Planning Commission under which the NSA falls.
One of the NSA’s duties is to conduct the Namibian Household Income and Expenditure Survey every five years. In fact, the latest survey is currently underway across all 14 regions. However, because of budget shortfalls, the last survey was conducted in 2015/2016.
The information generated from this data sheds light on the country’s inequality by showing how Namibians spend and receive money, and is our primary source of information about poverty in the country. In addition, due to concurrent obligations, the national census was another form of data that was delayed by two years. The NSA’s inability to carry out its mandate is caused by more than just internal hardships: it is an essential symptom of underinvestment by the government.
The Political Utility of an incapacitated NSA
An under-resourced NSA that produces delayed and insufficient data gives the government the opportunity to justify ineffective policy implementation. Imprecise information limits transparency, facilitates narrative control and can potentially conceal government shortcomings. By debilitating the NSA through their budget allocation, the government – possibly inadvertently – fashioned a useful weapon to aid them in combatting allegations of incompetence. The result is a weakened statistical system that can undermine honesty and accountability.
According to Immanuel Nashinge, the spokesperson for Independent Patriots for Change, the outdated statistics have resulted in the government’s budgeting leaving many people out when developing social and economic opportunities.
When citizens are cut out of the picture this way, it can translate into violations of human rights. Housing, education, healthcare and employment are all rights that people are entitled to. When the NSA’s capacity to provide accurate information in these areas is impaired, it obstructs target intervention and accurate policy change leaving vulnerable populations without support. An example would be the NSA’s decision to release the 2023 census data without including the Labour Force Survey in October 2024. People criticised the decision not to share data about unemployment – a key indicator of wellbeing – especially as Namibians geared up for the 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections in November 2024. Through the omission of those figures, a distorted image of Namibia and its citizens had taken form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, data is essential. The inaccuracies in crucial information is beyond bureaucratic inefficiency, it’s passive sabotage. Several weaknesses in the NSA are directly linked to government decisions such as budget cuts. Limiting the NSA’s ability to supply accurate and relevant surveys creates an extremely convenient opportunity for the Namibian government to maintain its political flexibility while simultaneously avoiding scrutiny.
This dynamic threatens to obscure and misrepresent the realities of several Namibian citizens particularly the most vulnerable demographics. Transparency is of the utmost importance to depict a clear picture of what condition of the country to ensure that public policy reflects real needs, not political agendas.
The sentiments expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author.
- Image: Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash
