October 2009

Compilation of Basic Economic Statistics in African Context: Challenges and Good Practices
   

The draft Handbook “Compilation of Basic Economic Statistics in African Context: Challenges and Good Practices” has been prepared in accordance with UNSD initiative to promote an integrated approach to compilation of economic statistics. The purpose of the draft Handbook is to assist African countries to strengthen their capacity to compile high quality basic economic statistics by learning from each other’s experience using the information on country practices presented in a structured and coherent manner. This description of good practices in the compilation and dissemination of basic economic statistics is expected also to provide useful guidance for overcoming critical issues and challenges in the future.

The proceedings of the two workshops on the compilation of basic economic statistics organized jointly by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the African Center for Statistics (ACS) (16-19 October 2007, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), and by the United Nations Statistics Division and Statistics South Africa (SSA) (23-26 July 2007, Pretoria, South Africa) as well as the results from the survey of African countries practices in basic economic statistics carried out by UNSD during 2008 and 2009, provided the major inputs for the preparation of the draft Handbook. It also benefited from numerous comments received from country and regional organizations experts. This draft text has been endorsed by the participants in the two workshops for a broader regional consultation.

The regional country consultation aims to ensure the widest possible review of the draft text by seeking comments from National Statistical Offices of African countries and other interested parties. This consultation process will conclude on 30 November 2009.

Draft Handbook: Compilation of Basic Economic Statistics in African Context: Challenges and Good Practices

Comments on the draft text, or any questions, can be addressed to: 

Mr. Vladimir Markhonko
Chief of Trade Statistics Branch
United Nations Statistics Division
Tel:    +1 212/963-5252
Email: markhonko@un.org