Lesotho Census 2026 ongoing
Lesotho’s 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC), the seventh since 1966, officially launched on April 12, 2026, and is mandated to run through May 12, 2026. Led by the Bureau of Statistics (BoS) under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, with UNFPA support, it aims to count every household digitally for planning in health, education, and infrastructure. As of early May 2026, fieldwork is ongoing but faces delays, with progress uneven across districts.
Planning intensified in early 2026 after a successful April 2025 pilot census in select areas, testing digital tools and operations. Nationwide enumerator training occurred from February to April, including supervisors and field staff. BoS engaged media in February for advocacy, emphasizing inclusivity and the census’s role in the 2020-2030 global round—Lesotho’s first in the region. UNFPA provided technical expertise, communications strategies, and resource mobilization.
A major boost came in March 2026 when Statistics South Africa donated 2,750 tablets and 1,045 power banks, addressing a prior shortage (initially 1,000 vs. needed 8,000 devices). This enabled a fully digital, paperless process using personal data assistants for real-time data entry, promising faster preliminary results.
Enumeration kicked off April 12 in four districts—Berea, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, and Botha-Bothe—despite nationwide fanfare. Delays hit the other six due to late enumerator lists issued April 9, pushing some trainings to April 13 and extending fieldwork into mid-May. Education Minister Ntoi Rapapa urged public cooperation, expecting four weeks of counting with door-to-door visits.
Sensitization campaigns blanketed lowlands to highlands, promoting participation for accurate data on demographics, housing, and needs. The census covers vital stats for sectors like employment and social protection, shaping national development.
By May 9, enumeration continues amid challenges like logistical hiccups and remote highland access. BoS Director ‘Malehloa Molato confirmed extensions beyond late April, prioritizing full coverage over strict timelines. Spot checks, supervision, and post-enumeration surveys ensure quality and trust.
No preliminary totals released yet, but digital efficiency allows quicker processing than past paper-based efforts. Public response has been mixed; while urban areas comply, rural delays persist from training lags. Partners like UNFPA praise the inclusive approach, targeting every voice from villages to households.
Key hurdles include device logistics, enumerator readiness, and potential resistance in hard-to-reach areas. The digital shift innovates data collection, reducing errors and enabling geospatial mapping for policy. Post-pilot reviews refined protocols, boosting confidence.
This census updates 2016 data (est. 2.1 million people), informing SDGs and budgeting amid economic pressures. Full results expected later 2026, guiding investments. With one month left, BoS pushes for nationwide completion, appealing for donor aid if needed. Success hinges on sustained cooperation, positioning Lesotho as a digital census leader in Africa.