The Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) has announced that a comprehensive nationwide Economic Establishment Census will be launched in September, aiming to deliver a detailed picture of the country’s business landscape. This landmark census will categorize and analyze economic activities across micro, small, medium, and large industries, covering formal and informal sectors.
Beker Shale (PhD), Director General of ESS, outlined that this census forms a critical component of the agency’s Statistical Development Program for 2016-2018 Ethiopian Calendar (EC). His office has been overseeing a range of major statistical surveys, including the Ethiopian Population and Health Survey—which has already been completed—the ongoing Agricultural Census, and the National Integrated Household Survey, which is nearing completion.
Beker explained that the upcoming Economic Establishment Census will use a hybrid methodology tailored to Ethiopia’s diverse landscape. In rural areas, where economic activities are more dispersed, a sample survey approach will be applied. Conversely, in urban centers with greater density and business variety, the census will be conducted comprehensively. This design reflects internationally accepted statistical research principles and aims to capture an accurate scope of formal and informal economic actors.
“The data generated through this census will be an essential resource for policy formulation, planning, and strategy development across economic sectors,” Beker said during the launch of the census’s pre-implementation preparatory phase. He emphasized the vital role reliable data plays in evidence-based policymaking and the scaling of Ethiopia’s economic ambitions.
Senior Economist Zelalem Getachew, addressing the same forum, described the census as a milestone for Ethiopia’s economic development agenda. “Without precise and disaggregated data regarding the size, distribution, and characteristics of businesses across the country, formulating policies that foster growth, channel investment, and combat unemployment is extremely difficult,” Zelalem noted.
He further stressed that the census is crucial in normalizing and formally recognizing the informal sector’s contribution to livelihoods and the economy at large. “This information enables policymakers to design interventions that promote a resilient and inclusive economic environment,” he added.
The census also holds significant potential for the investment community. For both domestic and foreign investors, detailed, up-to-date information on the geographic and size distribution of businesses reduces uncertainty and aids in identifying promising market opportunities, according to experts.
In anticipation of the census launch early next fiscal year, the ESS has called upon all relevant stakeholders nationwide to prepare for this extensive data collection effort. The statistical agency’s call underscores the collaborative nature of the census, which will rely on participation from government entities, private enterprises, and local communities alike.
Ethiopia’s economy continues to recover and expand steadily after recent shocks, growing by 8.1% in 2024, with services, agriculture, and industry all contributing to this performance. However, reliable, up-to-date economic data have been identified as crucial to sustaining this trajectory amid evolving development needs.
By painting a comprehensive and current picture of Ethiopia’s economic establishments, the upcoming census is expected to inform vital decisions that will help accelerate the country’s industrialization and business growth goals. This initiative dovetails with Ethiopia’s broader economic strategy to harness demographic dividends, boost employment, and foster private sector-led development.
The ESS’s commitment to using internationally sound methodologies for this census reflects Ethiopia’s drive to expand its collection and use of robust national statistics — a foundation for informed governance and progressive economic policymaking.
