Bokang Mofoka
THE recently completed 2026 Population and Housing Census has been hailed as a major success and a critical tool for evidence-based planning and sustainable development in Lesotho.
The final census results are expected to provide valuable insights into demographic trends and play a pivotal role in shaping policies and development programmes aimed at improving the lives of Basotho.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting marking the completion of the census data collection phase at Lehakoe Recreation Centre yesterday, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Taija Kontinen-Sharp, commended the Government of Lesotho, particularly the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Bureau of Statistics, for their leadership and commitment throughout the process.
“This undertaking represents a significant milestone in Lesotho’s development journey and demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening national planning through quality data and evidence,” Ms Kontinen-Sharp said.
She stressed that a population census is far more than a statistical exercise.
“It is a national endeavour that provides a comprehensive picture of who we are as a people, where we live and how we live. It generates the evidence required to make informed decisions, design responsive policies, allocate resources equitably and measure progress towards national aspirations and international commitments,” she said.
Ms Kontinen-Sharp noted that census data would help identify the needs of women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and communities living in remote and underserved areas.
“This information enables the government of Lesotho and its partners to address inequalities more effectively and uphold the fundamental principle that no one should be left behind,” she said.
She reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment, through the United Nations Population Fund, to continue supporting Lesotho through technical assistance, capacity building, advocacy and resource mobilisation.
“As the data collection phase reaches its final stage, the United Nations looks forward with great anticipation to the census results, which will guide national development planning for years to come,” she said.
For her part, Finance and Development Planning Minister, Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, expressed gratitude to development partners, including the United Nations family, Statistics South Africa, the European Union and the Central Bank of Lesotho, for supporting the successful implementation of the census.
“I wish to convey our appreciation and gratitude to all our partners who contributed in one way or another and helped make this census a successful project,” Dr Matlanyane said.
She highlighted Lesotho’s long history of conducting population censuses, noting that the country has consistently participated in every round of population and housing censuses undertaken across Africa.
“This exercise was very important not only for Lesotho but also for the continent. It is one of the most important national statistical exercises undertaken by any country,” she said.
Dr Matlanyane explained that the census provides critical information on population size, distribution, living conditions and social characteristics, which form the foundation of national planning and development.
“The information we obtain from the census forms the backbone of national planning and development strategies. It helps government and stakeholders plan effectively for education, health, housing and social services,” she said.
According to the minister, reliable and up-to-date data enables policymakers to identify challenges and channel resources where they are most needed.
“Without reliable data, it becomes extremely difficult for any government to design targeted and effective policies because it would not know what the problems are and where they exist,” she said.
Dr Matlanyane said extensive preparations preceded the enumeration exercise, including cartographic mapping, development of census tools, training programmes and a pilot census conducted in April 2025.
She added that Lesotho adopted a fully digital census, in line with recommendations for the 2030 round of censuses, using tablets and real-time monitoring systems to improve efficiency and data quality.
“The use of digital technology improves data quality, speeds up processing, enhances efficiency and strengthens the security and reliability of census information,” she said.
Despite challenges such as heavy rains, snowfall in the highlands and network connectivity problems in some areas, Dr Matlanyane said the exercise achieved strong national coverage. To compensate for delays, data collection was extended until 31 May 2026.
“The extension remained within the prescribed census period and therefore does not compromise the credibility of the results in any way,” she said.
She also praised the publicity team, actors, actresses and media organisations for helping raise awareness and encourage public participation.
Preliminary figures indicate that census teams covered 135 percent of the targeted households. Vacant households accounted for about 12 percent of visits, while households whose occupants were absent for extended periods represented seven percent. Refusals to participate stood at just 0.1 percent.
“Although the refusal rate is very low, we still need to understand why some people chose not to be counted,” Dr Matlanyane said.
