In 2024, the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) took a significant step towards strengthening its workforce by sponsoring 24 staff members to pursue master’s degree programs abroad. According to Director General, Richard Fortoma Ngafuan, the initiative targeted critical fields, such as geographic information systems (GIS), development economics, biostatistics, data science, and epidemiology, reflecting the institution’s commitment to addressing Liberia’s growing need for reliable and advanced statistical data.
“These programs, ranging from 12 to 24 months, were undertaken at prestigious institutions, including the University of Malawi and the University of Rome Tor Vergata,” Ngafuan stated during a press briefing. He emphasized that the training equips LISGIS staff with the technical expertise to tackle complex developmental challenges and enhances the institution’s capacity to meet national and international demands.
Ngafuan highlighted that this academic investment is already yielding results. “Our staff now possess the tools and methodologies needed to modernize data collection, analysis, and dissemination,” he remarked. This, he added, will not only boost the institution’s output but also provide a critical foundation for Liberia’s broader development goals.
The Director General described the initiative as part of LISGIS’s broader strategy to build a resilient and future-ready institution. “By investing in human capital, we are preparing LISGIS to be a robust statistical agency capable of supporting evidence-based policymaking and driving sustainable development across Liberia,” he concluded.
According to him, in addition to long-term academic programs, LISGIS has facilitated short-term training initiatives for 30 staff members in areas like GIS, financial management, and communication. He said the training programs were conducted regionally and internationally, with durations ranging from workshops lasting a few days to specialized courses spanning several months. “This dual approach to capacity building underscores our commitment to immediate skill enhancement while preparing for sustained institutional growth,” DG Ngafuan added.
Giving update on LISGIS key activities during 2024, DG Ngafuan stated that one of their most significant achievements in 2024 was the successful conduct of the Liberia Agriculture Census, which provided invaluable insights into the agricultural landscape of the country. “The census identified 338,630 agricultural households, with the highest concentrations in Nimba (21.4%), Bong (16.7%), and Lofa (12.7%) counties. This comprehensive dataset highlights the dominance of crop cultivation as an agricultural activity, practiced by nearly 99% of households. Rice and cassava emerged as the most cultivated crops, grown by 56.3% and 45.9% of households, respectively,” he stated.
He explained that LISGIS continued its vital work of monitoring inflation trends through the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the prices of a representative basket of goods and services over time.
In its findings, LISGIS reported that in 2024 inflation showed a steady decline, beginning at 10.5% in January and falling to 6.2% by June, stabilizing at 7.2% in October.
In a related development, Director General disclosed that in October 2024, during the 9th African Statistical Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was elected Chairman of the Statistical Commission for Africa. This historic achievement is the first for Liberia, elevating the nation’s stature in statistical leadership and collaboration across the continent.
He noted, “As Chairman, I am committed to advancing statistical development, promoting innovative approaches to data systems, and fostering stronger partnerships among African nations. This leadership role underscores LISGIS’s dedication to enhancing data quality and accessibility, not only for Liberia but for all African nations. Our focus during this tenure will be on leveraging robust data systems to support sustainable development, informed decision-making, and regional integration.”