Statistical Societies

Funded by the International Statistical Study Fund Foundation (SISSF), the ISI Academy supports the establishment and strengthening of National Statistical Associations in Africa, beginning with Burundi.

The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Burundi National Statistical Office (NSO) and aims to create sustainable professional platforms that advance the statistical profession, strengthen institutional collaboration, and reinforce national statistical system. By fostering organised professional communities, the project contributes to the long-term development, credibility, and visibility of statistics across sectors.

Objectives

The project seeks to establish a functional and sustainable National Statistical Association in Burundi while developing a model that can be adapted in other African countries.

Its objectives are to:

  •   Establish a nationally owned professional association with a clear governance structure
  •  Promote professional standards and ethical practice in statistics
  •  Strengthen collaboration between government, academia, private sector, and civil society
  •  Support continuous professional development and peer exchange
  •  Build stronger connections between national statistical communities and the global ISI network

Key Activities

The initiative follows a phased and consultative approach designed to ensure national ownership and long-term sustainability.

Key activities include:

  •   Conducting a baseline assessment to map the national statistical landscape and identify priority needs
  • Facilitating a national consultative workshop to establish a founding committee
  • Developing governance frameworks, membership models, and ethical guidelines
  • Organising capacity-building and exchange programmes
  • Launching communication and outreach efforts to promote membership and visibility
  • Monitoring progress and fostering alignment with regional and international statistical bodies

Through these activities, the project supports the structured establishment of a professional association capable of serving as a long-term platform for collaboration, advocacy, and capacity development.