President Taye Calls for Strengthened Data-Driven Policymaking Across Africa

President Taye Atske-Selassie addressed the 10th Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, emphasizing the need for reliable data to drive evidence-based development across the continent. Highlighting Ethiopia's ongoing financial and digital reforms, the President cited the 'Fayda' digital ID program and the expansion of mobile banking as key instruments for service delivery and financial inclusion. He noted that Ethiopia processed over 24 trillion birr in mobile financial transactions in the first nine months of 2026, showcasing the impact of digital infrastructure. The President urged African governments to safeguard the independence of statistical institutions and integrate diverse data sources to strengthen policymaking. He called for enhanced continental cooperation to treat official statistics as a public good. The five-day meeting brings together stakeholders to improve data systems and support Africa's development priorities.