Statistics Botswana has released the Population and Housing Census 2022 Administrative and Technical Report, offering a detailed account of the planning, implementation, and innovations that shaped the country’s first-ever digital census, conducted under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conducted in March 2022, the census marked a significant departure from Botswana’s tradition of holding the exercise in August, a change brought about by pandemic-related disruptions. The report, published in March 2025, provides insights into the census’ three key phases — pre-enumeration, enumeration, and post-enumeration — and highlights the unprecedented use of digital tools, new organisational structures, and multi-stakeholder cooperation that defined the exercise.
“This administrative and technical report aims to enhance understanding, promote accountability and serve as a valuable reference for future censuses,” wrote Acting Statistician General, Dr. Lucky Mokgatlhe, in the foreword. “It underscores the importance of rigorous planning, effective implementation and robust data management.”
Botswana’s 2022 census was the first to fully embrace digital technology, employing Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) systems and tablets instead of traditional paper-based questionnaires. This shift, facilitated by custom-built software, allowed for faster data collection and real-time quality checks.
The reorganisation of the Census Office in November 2020 introduced new management structures, including the elevation of the National Census Coordinator to the level of Deputy Statistician General. The office worked closely with other directorates and government ministries to ensure streamlined implementation.
While digital transformation enhanced data accuracy and timeliness, the report notes that the move from the usual August census month to March significantly affected operations. Limited preparation time after the pilot census hampered procurement and logistical planning, leading to delayed fieldwork and increased costs.
Despite these setbacks, the Ministry of Finance ensured consistent funding throughout the census period. Development partners such as UNFPA and UNDP also played critical roles in capacity building, data analysis, and sponsoring census dissemination activities.
The report acknowledges the vital contributions of multiple stakeholders — including District Commissioners, local councils, tribal authorities, the Botswana Defence Force, and private media — in facilitating the smooth conduct of the census.
More than just a counting exercise, the census was used to gather critical demographic, socio-economic, and environmental data necessary for planning, development policy, and political representation. Information from the census feeds directly into parliamentary constituency delimitation and informs frameworks such as the National Development Plan 11, Vision 2036, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2022 census produced a suite of reports including preliminary results, city and village population data, and technical evaluations. Statistics Botswana plans to roll out further analytical reports, statistical tables, a population atlas, and district monographs over the 2024/25 financial year.
The report concludes with key lessons for the 2030 census round, particularly the importance of early planning, appropriate staff remuneration, digital infrastructure, and stakeholder alignment.
“As Botswana continues to modernise its statistical systems, the 2022 PHC will be remembered as a milestone in our journey towards data-driven governance,” Dr. Mokgatlhe noted.
