National Statistical System
National Statistical System (NSS)
The National Statistical System (NSS) is defined in the Statistics Act as the group of all stakeholders involved in the production of official statistics, as producers, researchers, or data providers, their relationship, and the rules governing the designation of producers of official statistics.
The main producers of official statistics are ZIMSTAT, Government Ministries, and Departments. According to the Statistics Act, ZIMSTAT shall coordinate and supervise the NSS, develop and promote the use of statistical standards and appropriate methodologies in the NSS as well as collect, compile, analyse, and disseminate statistical information alone or in cooperation with other Government ministries and institutions. Thus, there is a sound legal basis for the cooperation of stakeholders in official statistics within an organized and integrated NSS. Despite that, the NSS appears to be rather a loose concept, not well recognised or integrated.
Nevertheless, there is considerable cooperation between ZIMSTAT and some of the main stakeholders in official statistics as discussed further below. Moreover, ZIMSTAT has been successful in promoting the use of up-to-date international standards and classifications in the NSS institutions.
Statistical Legislation – Governance of official statistics
Official statistics in Zimbabwe are carried out on the basis of the Census and Statistics Act from 2007 (hereafter the Statistics Act). The Statistics Act lays down the main principles and rules for the official statistics, including the operation of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, now commonly referred to as ZIMSTAT, the conduct of census and surveys, mandate to collect data, rules of confidentiality of source data, and dissemination of statistics. In most respects, the Statistics Act is based on the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics although it carries no reference to these. However, the Act is not fully in line with international practices. Zimbabwe has not signed the African Charter on Statistics.
The Statistics Act establishes Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, now known as ZIMSTAT, as the core institution responsible for official statistics in the country. Apart from the functions outlined above, ZIMSTAT shall provide a focal point of contact with international agencies on statistical matters. ZIMSTAT is managed by a Board that consists of the Director-General, a representative of the Ministry responsible for official statistics, and not more than eight members, at least half of whom shall be women, appointed by the Minister. The Board members shall be chosen for their knowledge and experience in statistics, information technology, economics, or related fields of expertise and their professional qualifications.
The Board shall ensure that ZIMSTAT fulfills its functions and that the profile of statistics is commensurate with its role in national development. Thus, the Board has the following functions:
• to promote and protect the credibility, integrity, and impartiality of official statistics
• formulate and monitor the implementation of policies for coordination of the NSS
National Statistical System Documents
NSDS 2011 - 2015 Summary Report Zimbabwe’s information needs can best be met by a well-planned and well-coordinated National Statistical System. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) is the main source of official statistics in Zimbabwe through censuses...