Government says the 2020 Census will be the first of its kind in Zambia to be conducted using electronic data collection methodology.
Government is proposing to use mobile technology during the 2020 census.
Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary Chola Chabala says this will improve the quality of data collected and reduce the time-lag between data collection and the dissemination of results.
Mr. Chabala says the 2020 census project plan that the government has prepared, though, Central Statistical Office, includes a number of innovations that will allow government to achieve a modern census for the 21st century.
“I do not believe that a paper and pencil approach to the census is sustainable for the 2020 or future censuses. It is no longer cost effective and more importantly, is not environmentally sustainable,” he said.
He says 2020 census will present the state with another opportunity to answer questions such as what must the Zambia of tomorrow look like.
“The 2020 census will also help us know how far we are with regards to achieving the global agenda 2030 on sustainable development goals, Africa agenda 2063 for unity, peace and prosperity and Zambia vision 2030 for a prosperous and industrialized country,” Mr. Chabala said.