Statistics agency hosts forum on role of geospatial information in policy making

The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) is hosting a forum to create national awareness on the value of geospatial information in policy formulation and decision making.

This is according to a media statement released by statistician general and NSA chief executive officer Alex Shimuafeni on Wednesday.

He says the two-day forum, which ends on Wednesday, is themed: ‘Data-driven Policy and Decision Making through Sound Spatial Data’.

This is the third time the NSA is hosting the forum, after the first and second editions took place in 2018 and 2021, respectively.

Shimuafeni says the forum focuses on how geospatial information, data that is directly linked to specific geographical locations, can empower the government and businesses to make better decisions and be more effective in their operations.

“The forum showcases the usage of geospatial information in decision making through live demonstrations,” he says.

In addition to the live demonstration of real-time applications, there will be exhibitions of digital tools, devices, software and related products offered by the spatial community, he says.

The forum consists of various stakeholders, such as policy and decision makers, researchers, planners, local and regional authority practitioners, and senior spatial data students.

Also in attendance are senior officials in the ministry of information and communication technology, National Planning Commission, as well as members of the public.

The NSA says presentations are focused on the role of spatial data in enhancing public policy and analysing the state of open data in Namibia, as well as smart utilities and resilient infrastructure.

“Other presentations include data on environmental management and agriculture, disaster management and emergency response using spatial data, data quality and standards for reliable spatial information, as well as how citizens can benefit through spatial data,” notes the statement.