Statistics Botswana unveils Communication Strategy

The Deputy Statistician General at Statistics Botswana (SB) Malebogo Kerekang says their newly formulated Communication Strategy is in alignment with Botswana Statistics Development Strategy (BSDS) and seeks to improve the internal and external communication efforts by the institution.

Kerekang said this at the official opening of the annual Data Producer Workshop this week which was aimed at providing a platform for an interactive dialogue between users and producers of official statistics in Gaborone on Tuesday.

She said the first ever SB communication strategy will be helpful in improvement of the internal and external communication by supporting the successful implementation of the two mother strategies in Botswana Statistics Development Strategy (BSDS) and the Statistics Botswana Strategic Plan.

“The communication strategy will further assist in building relationships or networks that will be sustained over time serving multiple purposes in managing current and emerging national statistical matters. Moreover, the strategy is crucial in strengthening the image of SB as the lead agency in the provision of quality official statistics and related services in the country”, echoed Kerekang.

Kerekang noted that the communication strategy has already attracted the international statistical agencies such as PARIS 21 which is using the SB’s communication strategy as a benchmark for developing communication strategies for other countries.

For her part the acting Director Stakeholders Relations Lillian Mogami said the five year communication strategy is divided into sub categories which include and caters for internal communication, advocacy and shareholder engagement.

She also contended that the strategy lies under the guiding principles aimed at ensuring of transparency, understanding, accessibility and independence all fostered by SB. Mogami stressed that the communication will be key in disseminating of official statistical information to a larger segment of the society.