Abstract

Statistical literacy is the ability to understand, interpret and use data and is, therefore, essential for creating data demand and use especially for policy, planning and decision-making. It has become a 21st century civic skill that is increasingly becoming important in a data-driven world. Statistical literacy rates in Africa and some other developing regions remain low, affecting the impact of data and statistics on development. The paper outlines challenges of statistical literacy and presents current efforts and what more could be done to boost it and enhance data impact on national and other development processes in Africa.