INE President Magaua attends UN Statistical Commission session in New York as Mozambique gears up for its first fully digital population census next year – Watch

Mozambique’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) is expected to conduct, for the first time, a digital population census as a measure to simplify and modernise the updating of the national register. The announcement was made to UN News in New York by the institute’s president, Mónica Magaua, on the sidelines of the 57th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, which took place in person from 3 to 6 March 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Statistical Commission consists of 34 member countries of the United Nations, elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of equitable geographical distribution, with a four-year term of office.Mozambique has been elected for the 2026–2029 term.

In response to a question on the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools to examine information and develop more personalised solutions, the INE President said that the goal is already on the radar of economic and regional entities. “Next year, for example, we will conduct the Fifth General Population and Housing Census. And, for the first time, it will be a fully digital census.

Previously it was on paper; now it will be completely digital. This also allows us to compare ourselves with other countries. In fact, it is also a requirement at the SADC and African Union level that countries conduct digital censuses.

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We are therefore trying not to fall behind, because otherwise we will not be comparable. And there are many advantages.” Mónica Magaua said that with the new model, the data collected could be available in a quarter of the time required under the current registration system. “The digital census, for example, produces results faster.

Previously, it took two years to obtain the results. Now, it should be possible – this is what we expect – to have results within six months. These developments allow us to advance.

There are, however, challenges, because we are talking about a digital census in a country that is not fully digital. There are still differences in rural areas, places where the internet does not reach. All of this has been taken into account.

We hope that, as far as possible, we can carry out a digital census that is effective and better than traditional methods.” The significant change in the census system will take place ten years after the Fourth General Population and Housing Census, which was conducted in 2017. Magaua reaffirmed the importance of Mozambique’s participation in international forums that validate new instruments and address international statistical production guidelines, enabling comparability across different contexts. At the meeting, which ended on Friday, discussions have taken place on producing more accurate statistics with Portuguese-speaking partners such as Brazil, Cabo Verde, and Portugal. READ:Mozambique’s population census about to enter the digital age

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