The National Statistical Office (NSO) has finalised the Malawi National Statistical System Strategic Plan (NSS SP IV) 2025–2030, a dynamic and nationally recognised framework that provides clear direction for strengthening the production of official statistics across all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). In this interview, News Analyst LUCKY MKANDAWIRE speaks to NSO commissioner SHELTON KANYANDA on the plan. Excerpts:
What is the background to the NSS SP IV, and what gaps prompted its development?
The NSS SP IV 2025–2030 was developed in alignment with Malawi Vision 2063 (MIP-1), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030, and other regional and global commitments. Its goal is to build a coordinated, harmonised, relevant, timely, high-quality and accessible national statistical system that supports national development priorities. The new plan was necessitated by several critical gaps in the existing system. These include the absence of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the National Statistical System (NSS), weak coordination and management across institutions, inadequate human resource and infrastructural capacity, and limited use of administrative data in producing official statistics. There has also been insufficient dissemination of statistical information and low public awareness about the importance and availability of official data.
What are the key highlights in the new plan, and how does it change the production of official data?
The NSS SP IV places strong emphasis on emerging and previously neglected areas critical for national development. For the first time, it prioritises the production of quality statistics on gender, environment and climate change—key areas for measuring marginalisation and assessing environmental impacts on the population. The plan also addresses other important but previously underdeveloped areas, including crime and cybercrime, gender-based violence (GBV), transport, land management, emergencies and disasters, disability, and corruption and public resource mismanagement. A major structural shift is the expansion of participation in the NSS. While the 2017–2019 plan involved 13 MDAs and the 2019–2023 plan expanded this to 17, the NSS SP IV now includes 35 MDAs. This broader inclusion is expected to transform the production of official statistics by improving coverage, coordination and data comprehensiveness across government sectors.
How will the plan improve coordination and accountability across MDAs?
The NSS SP IV introduces several measures to strengthen coordination and accountability. It clearly defines roles and institutional responsibilities for all participating MDAs, reducing duplication and confusion. A key innovation is the introduction of a dedicated M&E framework for the entire NSS to track progress and performance. The plan also promotes integrated administrative data systems and enforces robust quality assurance frameworks across institutions. Harmonisation will be achieved through the adoption of common standards, methodologies and best practices. These measures are expected to significantly improve the consistency, reliability and overall quality of official statistics in Malawi.
What safeguards are in place to enhance transparency, independence and public trust?
The NSS SP IV will be implemented in accordance with the National Statistics Act of 2013 and the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. The plan is anchored o n seven core values: confidentiality, integrity, quality methods, transparency and accountability, inclusiveness and user responsiveness, innovation, and collaboration and partnership. These principles are designed to safeguard the independence and integrity of the statistical system while promoting openness. By reaffirming these commitments, the plan aims to strengthen public trust and confidence in Malawi’s official statistics.
How does the plan align Malawi’s statistical system with regional and international obligations, including SDG monitoring?
The NSS SP IV is deliberately aligned with Malawi’s long-term development agenda under Vision 2063 (MIP-1), the global SDG Agenda 2030, and other regional and international commitments. It provides a targeted strategy for building a well-coordinated, harmonised, relevant, timely, high-quality and accessible statistical system. The goal is to ensure that Malawi’s NSS is fully-equipped to generate reliable data needed to monitor and report progress towards national, regional and global development targets.
Implementation is often the real test of such plans. What commitments has NSO made to ensure results?
NSO has committed to providing strong leadership as the central coordinating authority of the NSS. It will oversee implementation, ensure alignment with national priorities, and provide overall direction. To translate the plan into action, NSO will develop annual implementation plans that break down strategic objectives into sector-specific workplans with clear responsibilities, budgets and timelines for each MDA. A results-based monitoring framework will track compliance with statistical standards, while accountability will be enforced through regular reporting, performance reviews and adherence to statistical release calendars.
