LocationsEthiopian delegation’s study mission to the Republic of Korea on statistical capacity building
November 26, 2025
As one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia's ambitious development agenda requires robust statistical systems to track progress, inform policy decisions, and monitor the country's advancement towards national and global development goals. The Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS), the country's central statistical authority, plays a critical role in producing data that underpin evidence-based governance across sectors. As Ethiopia works to modernize its statistical infrastructure, integrating digital technologies, strengthening data governance frameworks, and enhancing census methodologies have become essential priorities for building a more responsive and efficient statistical ecosystem.
To facilitate knowledge exchange on these priorities, the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), in partnership with the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) of the Republic of Korea and UNDP Ethiopia, launched an SDG Partnership on statistical capacity building for sustainable development. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of Korea, this initiative connects Korean statistical institutions with partner countries, creating opportunities to share experiences in building integrated data systems, digital census operations, and innovative statistical platforms.
Knowledge exchange on statistical systems through study visit to Korea
From 10 to 14 November, USPC hosted a delegation from the ESS for a study mission to the Republic of Korea. The delegation was led by Meron Kifelew Melkamu, Deputy Director General of ESS, and included senior officials responsible for statistical survey methodology, geospatial statistics, strategic affairs, and statistical research and training, along with a National Economist from UNDP Ethiopia.
The mission opened on 11 November in Daejeon with a ceremony at the Statistics Human Resources Development Institute with messages highlighting the importance of strong national statistical systems in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting data-driven governance.
Over the following four days, the Ethiopian delegation engaged with Korean experts and explored Korea's integrated statistical infrastructure through technical sessions, hands-on training, and site visits. The programme was designed to share Korea's experience in building data governance frameworks, digital census operations, geospatial platforms, and emerging technology applications in official statistics.
Technical sessions on Korea’s data governance and statistical systems
The mission opened with a series of technical sessions led by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, providing the delegation with an overview of Korea’s integrated statistical architecture and the institutional arrangements that support its transition toward digital statistical systems. MODS officials introduced Korea’s approaches to linking administrative data, managing information security, and operating statistical registers that combine administrative sources into unified datasets. These sessions highlighted how Korea has reduced survey burden and operational costs while improving the quality and timeliness of official statistics, offering practical insights for strengthening foundational statistical systems.
Discussions also explored Korea’s ongoing work to incorporate emerging technologies, including automated classification and anomaly detection, into the statistical process. While still in early stages, these examples demonstrated how Korea is beginning to test artificial intelligence applications to enhance workflow efficiency and data quality. The delegation additionally examined Korea’s Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), a centralised national platform that integrates data from more than 400 institutions, showcasing Korea’s commitment to improving statistical accessibility, usability, and transparency.
Practical training on microdata and geospatial tools
Building on the lectures, the delegation participated in hands-on exercises at the Statistics Data Center (SDC). MODS officials introduced the Microdata Integrated Service (MDIS), which provides secure access to anonymised microdata for research and analysis. Through practical exercises using R Studio, participants worked directly with sample datasets to practise data processing, anonymisation, and visualisation techniques within Korea’s trusted research environment. This training allowed delegates to experience Korea’s microdata management systems firsthand and consider how similar approaches could be adapted to expand research access and data analysis capacity in Ethiopia.
The mission also included practical sessions on geospatial statistics using the Statistical Geographic Information Service (SGIS), Korea’s national geospatial platform. Through demonstrations of spatial datasets and mapping tools, MODS officials illustrated how geospatial information is used to inform public policy and small-area analysis. The sessions introduced potential entry points for adapting geospatial tools within Ethiopia’s own statistical ecosystem.
Observing Korea’s census operations in practice
As part of the programme, the delegation also visited key facilities supporting Korea’s official statistics. The visit to the KT Population and Housing Census Call Centre offered a practical view of Korea’s census operations in action. Delegates observed real-time dashboards, call management systems, and operational workflows used during census activities, gaining insights into how Korea combines digital infrastructure with trained personnel to support efficient data collection and quality monitoring. The visit prompted reflections on how Ethiopia might leverage administrative data sources and digital tools to strengthen its future census processes.
Strengthening bilateral statistical cooperation
Image: Ministry of Data and Statistics
The visit included a high-level meeting on 13 November between Hyung Jun Ahn, Minister of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea, and Meron Kifelew Melkamu, Deputy Director General of ESS. The meeting reflected both countries' commitment to deepening statistical cooperation and continuing knowledge exchange beyond the visit.
Building lasting partnerships
Following the mission in Daejeon, the delegation travelled to Seoul on 14 November for the mission’s closing session at USPC. Anne Juepner, Director of USPC, expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement demonstrated throughout the week. The delegation reflected on the key insights gained from Korea’s experience and shared initial ideas on how these lessons could inform Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national statistical system.
The session also underscored the value of continued collaboration among the Ethiopian Statistical Service, the Korean Ministry of Data and Statistics, UNDP Ethiopia, and USPC. By building on the partnerships reinforced during the visit, the mission laid a solid foundation for future cooperation aimed at advancing evidence-based governance and supporting Ethiopia’s long-term statistical development.
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