The National Index for Statistics Development was presented in Yaounde on March 10.

The National Institute of Statistics says Cameroon is one of the pioneers in the Central African Sub region to possess a National Index for Statistics Development. The document was presented to stakeholders in Yaounde on March 10, 2016. It seeks to influence decision making in the development of the country.

Officials of the National Institute of Statistics explained that the blueprint document is the first to be produced in Cameroon. The document reveals an appreciable level of data production and development in Cameroon which stands at over 0.63/1 or 63 per cent. It is a new beginning but shows strides made by the country in that sector, the Unit Head for Computer and Statistics in the Ministry of Arts and Culture stated. « Our statistical system is performant in the CEMAC sub region, » he disclosed. The Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Statistics, Joseph Guy Benjamin She Etoundi stressed on the need for the document to facilitate the collection of information for the national database. He stated that the index will serve as a measuring stick to setting up national development strategies.

The National Index for Statistics Development is a 28-page document that spells out best practices on data collection. It was produced in 2015 and contains methodology  and components for efficiency in use by institutions to gather data for decision taking. The index has components on governance, coordination, material and human resources as well as the volume of data collection, production and development.