Tanzanians should use official statistics when planning economic activities and making investment decisions, the National Bureau of Statistics said this week. The appeal comes as the statistics bureau stressed the importance of accurate data in guiding development and resource allocation across the country.
The National Bureau of Statistics' Manyara Regional Statistics Manager said reliable statistics help the government, businesses and investors identify economic opportunities, assess population trends and make informed decisions on how to distribute resources. The 2022 Population and Housing Census recorded approximately 1.8 million people in Manyara Region, with current estimates putting the population at 2.16 million, according to the statistics bureau. The growth in population creates opportunities in agriculture, trade and mining but also increases demand for public services, requiring authorities to plan and budget accordingly.
Government institutions use census findings and other official data to guide development plans and determine resource requirements across different sectors, the statistics manager said. Investors can also use population figures and other economic indicators to identify potential markets and assess demand for goods and services.
Manyara Region produced 144.308 kilogrammes of raw Tanzanite in 2024, according to statistics bureau data. The gemstone, mined in Mirerani, undergoes processing and refining before being sold in international markets, creating economic opportunities and income for local communities.
Accurate data is essential for strengthening investment decisions, improving public resource allocation and ensuring that development plans reflect the needs and opportunities of the population, the statistics manager said.