Burundi's National Statistics Institute (INSBU) recently organized an atelier de validation for the communication strategy of the country's National Statistical System (SSN). The event, held to formalize the strategy, took place at the City Hill Hotel. The communication strategy aims to strengthen the visibility of the SSN and improve the diffusion of statistical information. Additionally, the strategy seeks to promote a culture of data use within Burundi and consolidate public trust in official statistics. This initiative notes INSBU's commitment to ensuring that statistical data is not only produced but also effectively utilized across various sectors of Burundian society.
Strategy's Core Objectives
The communication strategy aims to improve the diffusion of statistical information, promote a culture of data use, and consolidate public trust in official statistics within Burundi. These objectives seek to enhance the understanding and utilization of statistical data across various sectors. By focusing on these core areas, the strategy endeavors to make statistical information more impactful and relevant for both decision-makers and the general public. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where data-driven decisions are the norm, thereby contributing to informed policy and planning.
The National Statistics Institute of Burundi (INSBU) shares a common objective to transform complex statistical results into clear and actionable information. This transformation is designed to make data more accessible and useful for decision-makers and the public, thereby supporting informed policy and planning. This commitment shows INSBU's role in translating intricate statistical findings into understandable insights that can drive progress and development within the nation. The strategy also aims to foster a greater appreciation for the importance of reliable statistics in national development.
Director's Vision for Statistics
The workshop to validate the communication strategy was held on Friday, May 8, 2026. Modeste Ndayisenga, the director of the department of cooperation, diffusion, and communication at INSBU, emphasized the evolving role of statistical institutions. Ndayisenga stated, "Producing quality statistics is no longer enough; rather, they must also be made accessible, understandable, visible, and useful for decision-makers, researchers, the media, development partners, and the entire population." The director noted that the communication strategy aims to align with guidelines established by the Communauté est africaine (East African Community). This alignment ensures that Burundi's statistical communication practices are in harmony with regional standards and best practices, further enhancing the credibility and utility of its data.
Ndayisenga further articulated the critical importance of data utilization, asserting, "Unused statistics are useless statistics." He showed the collaborative objective for the strategy's implementation, adding, "We wish to leave this workshop with a common conviction of what the communication of our statistics will be based on the strategy elaborated together." This vision emphasizes transforming raw data into actionable insights for a broad audience. The workshop itself served as a key platform for stakeholders to collectively shape the future direction of statistical communication in Burundi, ensuring broad buy-in and effective implementation.
Enhancing Data Accessibility
The validation event for the communication strategy took place at the City Hill Hotel. Modeste Ndayisenga, director of the department of cooperation, diffusion, and communication at INSBU, emphasized the evolving requirements for statistical institutions. Ndayisenga stated, "Producing quality statistics is no longer enough; rather, they must also be made accessible, understandable, visible, and useful for decision-makers, researchers, the media, development partners, and the entire population." He further noted the importance of data utilization, asserting, "Unused statistics are useless statistics." This sentiment reinforces the core purpose of the communication strategy: to bridge the gap between data production and data consumption.
The workshop established a dual ambition: to assess the current state of statistical communication and to cultivate a shared understanding of how to effectively reach various categories of statistical data users. This approach aims to ensure that data serves its intended purpose across different sectors. By understanding the current landscape and building a common vision, the strategy seeks to optimize the dissemination and uptake of statistical information. Ndayisenga concluded, "We wish to leave this workshop with a common conviction of what the communication of our statistics will be based on the strategy elaborated together." This collective agreement is central to the strategy's successful implementation, ensuring that all efforts are coordinated towards making Burundi's statistics a truly valuable national asset.
