## 1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations ## Source details **Canonical URL:** [1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/cr/2022/english/1sleea2022003.pdf) ## Other formats - [Markdown version](/-/media/files/publications/cr/2022/english/1sleea2022003.pdf.md) - [Structured JSON version](/-/media/files/publications/cr/2022/english/1sleea2022003.pdf.json) --- ### Summary of mission outcomes and priority recommendations - Mission timing and modality - A technical assistance (TA) mission was conducted during April 4–29, 2022. - The mission was conducted in a hybrid way: three mission days were on-site, and the rest was conducted remotely using the WebEx application during the period of April 4–29, 2022. - Purpose - Assist Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) with the rebasing of the annual national accounts ensuring international best practices are applied. - Move from base year 2006 to new base year 2018 and adopt the Supply and Use Tables (SUT) framework and the System of National Accounts 2008 (2008 SNA) plus latest international classifications (ISIC Rev 4, CPA 2008). - Key outputs and progress - Completed analysis and classifications by products of the AESE national accounts indicators for the GDP rebasing and the SUT. - Compiled output and intermediate consumption matrices from AESE; developed bridge tables for indicators from areas not covered by AESE. - Mapping of AESE data to the Classification of Products by Activity (CPA) was completed by NAU. - Training provided to national accounts team on classifications, SUT spreadsheet compilation, and tools for manual and automatic balancing. - Risks and timetable - Overall deadline for GDP rebasing: results should be published at the end of December 2022. - Deadline at risk due to new censuses and surveys planned for second half of 2022 and outstanding administrative data. - Recommendation: GDP rebasing should be a high priority and Stats SL should put all efforts to meet the target date of December 2022. - Priority recommendations (Table 1) - Target Date: June 2022 — Work with relevant institutions to obtain the required administrative data for GDP rebasing — Responsible: STATS SL - Target Date: June 2022 — Complete the product classification for other SUT components (FCE, GFCF) — Responsible: STATS SL *Source: 1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations (IMF technical assistance mission report, April 4–29, 2022).* ### Source data and GDP compilation — Rebasing of National Accounts - Rationale - The structure and size of the economy have changed since 2006—the current base year of national accounts in Sierra Leone—so rebasing is a key priority. - Aim to align national accounts with 2008 SNA, ISIC Rev 4, and CPA 2008 using the SUT framework. - SUT framework and classifications - Dimensions of SUT agreed; first version of SUT spreadsheet developed during a previous mission. - For rebasing, a square table of 114 industries and 114 products have been agreed and localized as SLSIC and SLCPA. - Matrices of Output and Intermediate Consumption (IC) were compiled at “CPA 6-digit x ISIC 4-digit levels” and aggregated to SUT SLCPA products level and SLISIC industry level. - Some IC elements are mixed-product and need further breakdown to fit SUT product codes. - AESE and product mappings - AESE collected detailed information on products and services and input costs; supplementary AESE data analyzed and updated after AESE results. - AESE data will be used to estimate trade margin rates by products; trade margin rates of the base year (2018) will be applied on IC, HFCE, GFCF, and exports by products. - Stats SL should complete the classification of trade data by products. - Agriculture sector - Agriculture census initially planned for Q1 2022 has been postponed until the end of 2022; results will not be available until mid-2023. - Under these circumstances, Stats SL should investigate availability of other data sources from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey (SLIHS) for the agriculture 2018 base year estimates. - Mapping of agriculture data to SLCPA was completed in preparation for incorporation of new agriculture estimates. - Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) - GFCF estimates by type of asset and industry are compiled based on AESE data, which do not cover all economic sectors. - Fixed assets of buildings and other construction work will be compared against production volume of construction activities. - Machinery and equipment estimates will be checked against imports data on capital goods; bridge tables for mapping import data to Broad Economic Classification (BEC) are available. - Stats SL should complete compilations of imports of goods by BEC for comparative analyses of shares for IC, HFCE, and GFCF. - Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) - HFCE expenditures are classified using COICOP 2018; a bridge table between COICOP 2018 and CPA 2008 was developed during the last mission. - Team should complete estimates and mapping of other elements of HFCE for goods produced and consumed by the same household. - Administrative data sources — outstanding - Administrative data from National Revenue Authority (NRA), National Communication Authorities (NATCOM), Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM), and Sierra Leone Association Non-Governmental Organization (SLANGO) were still outstanding. - Stats SL should follow up with these institutions to obtain required information. ### Capacity building, tools, and institutional issues - National Accounts Unit (NAU) staffing and capacity - NAU is currently understaffed: there are only three staff who produce the Annual National Accounts and are working on the GDP rebasing. - The rebasing would require at least two additional full-time equivalent staff in the NAU. - Recommendation: increasing staff capacities and number of human resources is important; ongoing training and extra resources are needed to meet the GDP rebasing deadline. - In absence of extra resources, establish working groups within Stats SL to assist NAU, with collaboration from other Stats SL units crucial. - SUT spreadsheets and balancing tools - SUT spreadsheets for compiling final rebased GDP estimates were further explained and updated. - A system designed where data are stored in databases and national accounts compilations take place in spreadsheet structures; data loaded from database records, further manipulations (such as balancing) done in this structure. - A manual and an automatic SUT balancing tool developed by the IMF were explained and provided, including documentation and instructions on each worksheet and balancing steps. - National Accountants should further read the manuals/guidance and practice using the SUT tools. ### Timetable for upcoming surveys, censuses, and implications for future rebasing - Planned census/survey schedule and implications - Mid-term Population Census (MPC) 2021 completed. - Preparatory work on the census of enterprises expected to be conducted in July 2022. - Agriculture census postponed to the end of 2022. - Labour Force Survey (LFS) is planned for 2022. - AESE and SLIHS planned in 2023. - These censuses and surveys will be key source data for the next GDP rebasing exercise; best practice is to rebase national accounts every five years. - Stats SL should strategically plan timing of surveys and censuses to collect comprehensive information for the base year reference period for the next rebasing. ### Next mission and rebasing stages - The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover completion of national accounts aggregates, populating the SUT spreadsheet, and providing training to increase staff capacities. - Recommended actions - Stats SL to complete HFCE estimates. - Stats SL to complete the product classification for the remaining SUT components. - Stats SL to work with relevant institutions to obtain the required administrative data for the GDP rebasing. ### Detailed Work Plan — Outcome 1: Use of SNA 2008 framework, concepts and definitions - Outcome 1: Data are compiled using the framework, concepts and definitions of the System of National Accounts 2008. Action 1: Development of the Business Register which is Up to Date and Well Maintained - Establish a working group to monitor progress in the development of the business register. - Risk/Assumption: Working group will guide the development and make recommendations on various issues that will arise. - Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: The Stats SL and NRA have established a working group. NRA business register is collected each year. - Use the results of the Economic Census to develop the initial Stats SL Business Register and harmonize with the NRA taxpayer list as well as other key registers. - Verifiable Indicator: Harmonized business lists are established. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2018. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2017. - Implementation Status: Completed: 2017/3/29. The Stats SL has cleaned and merged the register with the NRA taxpayer list. - Agreed and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between key stakeholders. - Verifiable Indicator: MoU is signed and updated accordingly. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: MoUs signed with Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL), Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and National Commission for Social Action. - 4/21: The MoU with the NRA is still pending. - 4/22: The MoU issue was discussed with SG and will be followed by him. - Identification of the requirements for the business register – identification, classifications, etc. - Verifiable Indicator: Requirements are clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2018. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2017. - Implementation Status: Completed. - Establish statistical business register maintenance rules. - Verifiable Indicator: Maintenance rules are clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Implementation Status: Update: 4/20: This is planned – will meet to agree rules. - Identify the systems requirements for the establishment and maintenance of the statistical business register. - Verifiable Indicator: Systems requirements clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: This will be raised with the SG as it will require resources. - Launch of The Sierra Leone Statistical Business Register (SLSBR). - Verifiable Indicator: The LSBR is available to draw sample frames for economic surveys. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: This will be raised with senior management. 4/21 Stats SL is planning to conduct another Business Census in 2022 with the WB project. Action 2: Annual National Accounts – GDP by Production in Current and Constant Prices - Maintain and build the capacity of the NAU staff. - Verifiable Indicator: Staff resources are commensurate with workload. Documentation and training (including materials) are available to build capacity of staff. - Target Completion Date: Ongoing. - Actual Completion Date: Ongoing. - Implementation Status: In progress: Staff numbers in the NAS are considered insufficient for the project. New recruits will be required when the economic survey commences. - 4/22: Staff numbers in the NAS are considered insufficient for the project. Training and documentations are provided to the staff to increase their capacities. - Phase 1 Establishment: Census undertaken so that a sample for the economic survey can be extracted. - Verifiable Indicator: Business List of all formal establishments is created. - Target Completion Date: Aug 2016. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2016. - Implementation Status: Started: May 2016. Completed. - Produce a plan to establish a new set of GDP benchmark estimates for the year 2018. - Verifiable Indicator: Plan accepted by all stakeholders. - Target Completion Date: May 2017. - Actual Completion Date: Jan 2019. - Implementation Status: Started: February 2017. Completed: The plan was reviewed and updated in Jan 2019 mission – actual completion date revised. - Phase 2 AESE: Sample design extracted from the business list. - Verifiable Indicator: A sample frame for the economic survey, including the weights, is extracted. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2017. - Actual Completion Date: Mar 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Sample based on Stats SL business register combined with NRA list completed. - Phase 2 AESE: Survey Instrument design. - Verifiable Indicator: Survey instruments are designed. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Dec 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: Survey forms were finalized and used for data collection. - Phase 2 AESE: Data collection. - Verifiable Indicator: Data are collected from the field with the assistance of enumerators. - Target Completion Date: Jan 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Jan 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Survey data collection was carried out Dec 19 – Jan 20. - Phase 2 AESE: Data entry and processing. - Verifiable Indicator: Survey data are entered into the IT system and data processing edits are carried out to ensure a clean data set for compilation. - Target Completion Date: May 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Oct 2021. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Majority of data was captured and processed – awaiting final contributors which are being chased up. 9/20: Still some key contributor missing. 4/21: The AESE results for the main economic is completed and a report is drafted. - Phase 2 AESE: Data compilation — gross value added (GVA) estimation and grossing up. - Verifiable Indicator: Data produced to match SUT dimensions. - Target Completion Date: Jan 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data was processed and will be finalized once data of outstanding contributors are available. - 9/20: Progress was made with data analyses and grossing up of the results. Next step is the finalization of the AESE results. - 4/21: Further progress was made on the analyses of AESE national accounts indicators and supplementary data for SUT purposes. Next step to complete the classification by product. - 4/2022: Classification of AESE data by products are completed for most of the components. - Development of a strategy for ongoing production of annual GDP(P) estimates in line with international best practices. - Verifiable Indicator: An annual GDP(P) estimation strategy is prepared with an analysis of the various data sources and a data collection program identified. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Stats SL now plan to collect a cut-down version of the AESE each year as well as publish quarterly GDP. - 4/21: Plans for an annual AESE is postponed due to covid and will resume in 2022. - Stats SL should explore tax data for their use in ongoing production of Annual GDP and development of quarterly GDP. The finalization of MoU between NRA and Stats SL will facilitate the data sharing for their use on the compilations of national accounts. - 4/22: The same situation as above. New AESE will be in 2023, therefore tax data will be used for ongoing production of years without AESE. - Informal sector estimation. - Verifiable Indicator: A factor for the informal sector is derived using the results of the SLIHS and the method is documented. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. - Implementation Status: In progress. This will now be based on SLIHS data. - 4/21: This component will be developed under the D4D IMF project. The first mission was conducted in February 2021 to produce the employment and renumeration matrices. The informal employment estimates will be generated from the employment matrix. - Sector-specific GVA data sources and methods (status and next steps) - Agriculture: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 10/21: a census of agriculture is planning to be conducted in 2022. These census data will be used for the rebasing. - 4/22: Agriculture Census is postponed at the end of 2022. Therefore, the MoA and SLIHS data will be investigated for producing new base year agriculture estimates. - Fishing: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 4/22: Agriculture Census is postponed at the end of 2022. Therefore, the MoA and SLIHS data will be investigated for producing new base year agriculture estimates. - Mining: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 4/22: mining data are available from NMA. However, data on inputs costs are needed and could be available only from financial statements that these mining enterprises submit to NRA. - Electricity: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - 4/22: Excel templates with data requirement from these institutions are sent out and need to be followed up by Stats SL. - Water: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - 4/22: Excel templates with data requirement from these institutions are sent out and need to be followed up by Stats SL. - Accommodation (tourism): - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - Transport: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly Measured (FISIM) - Action: Figures from the BSL should be obtained to calculate FISIM. - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. - Implementation Status: Started. - 1/29/2020: January 2020: A template with the required data to estimate FISIM was created and discussed with BSL. - 9/20: No data have been provided yet. - 4/21: Some aggregated data on banking sector were provided from BSL for year ### Progress on Annual National Accounts — General Rebase and Source Integration - Outstanding data for 2018–2019. - 10/21: BSL data incorporated into spreadsheets, methods identified, and estimates for output banking sector are compiled. Additional data are expected from BSL for FISIM 2018 and intermediate consumption estimates. - Estimates for insurance from Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM) should be brought into line with the 2008 SNA methodology. Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Revised Jun 2022 — Started. 4/02/2020. - January 2020: A template with the required data to estimate insurance was created and discussed with SLICOM. - 9/20: No data have been provided yet. - 4/21: No data have been provided yet. - 4/22: No data have been provided yet. Stats SL should follow up on it. - Data sources and methods for estimating gross value added (GVA) for the Public Administration, Health and Education sectors are reviewed and updated. Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Started. 4/02/2020. - January 2020: A review of data for general government data was made. AESE data will be used for private Education and Health. - 4/22: Government data are available at detailed level for years 2020 and on. The same information should be asked also for years 2018–2019. - Estimate for owner occupied dwellings using the SLIHS and Population Census. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Data was produced from SLIHS – being analyzed. - 4/21: SLIHS 2018 and Census 2015 source data were reviewed, and methods were explained for the services owner-occupied dwellings estimates. - 4/22: No further progress is made on it. - Data sources and methods for estimating GVA for the gambling sector from the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company (SLSLC) are reviewed and updated. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Revised estimates for taxes less subsidies from Ministry of Finance (MoF) on production and imports. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Rework the annual GDP(P) estimates backwards at both current and constant prices from 2001 to 2018. - Revised estimates are published. Changes in data sources and methodology are documented. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2021 — Revised Nov 2022. - Status: In progress. - 4/20: Established the basis of current GDP breakdown on ISIC Rev 3 basis and will revise back to 2001. - Implement a regular program of annual establishment AESE surveys in line with international best practice. - Implementation of a strategy for the ongoing production of annual GDP(P) estimates, maintain and build capacity of NAU staff. - Oct 2020 — Ongoing. - 4/20: Stats SL are planning to carry forward the AESE as an annual survey for GDP and rebasing. - 4/21: plans for an ongoing AESE have been postponed to 2023 due to Covid situation. - 4/22: Next AESE will be in 2023. - Staff numbers in the NAU are considered insufficient; new recruits will be required when the rebasing commences. - 4/22: Training and documentations are provided to the staff to increase their capacities. ### Action 3: Annual National Accounts — GDP by Expenditure (HFCE, NPISH, GFCF, Trade) - Produce estimates for HFCE. - SLIHS 2018 data analyzed and used for GDP compilation. COICOP 2018 data mapping to SUT products available. Documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: The SLIHS 2018 was completed, and results converted to COICOP for review. - 4/21: COICOP classification is completed. Additional information is required to complete the HFCE estimates into the national accounts concepts. - 10/21: mapping of HFCE to SLCPA started. - 4/22: the HFCE estimates and classification yet to be completed. - Produce estimates of consumption expenditure for NPISH using data from Sierra Leone Association of Non-Government Organizations (SLANGO). - Data collected and converted to national accounts requirements. Documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL are reviewing the best methods for compiling data for NPISH. - 10/21: no data are received yet from SLANGO. - 4/22: no data are received yet from SLANGO. - Revised estimates for central government expenditure through collaborating with the MoF. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Revised estimates for gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) using AESE and Foreign Trade data. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. GFCF estimates from AESE are compiled. Foreign trade data to be classified by BEC classification. - Revised estimates for imports and exports. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets via mapping to SUT products and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Data are available, and mapping needs to be developed. - 10/21: Export and import data have been reviewed and mapped to CPA. Next step to incorporate the data to SUT spreadsheets. - Compile GDP estimates from the expenditure approach, in line with best international practice. - Revised estimates and documentation are disseminated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. ### Action 4: Annual National Accounts — GDP by Income - Investigate the feasibility of estimating GDP by income on an ongoing basis. - Data sources are identified; methodologies are developed, and data are disseminated. Documentation is prepared. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Options for measuring GDP by income approach reviewed; framework established. ### Action 5: Annual National Accounts — Supply and Use Tables (SUT) - Establish the SUT framework. - Industry and product classifications are developed. Documentation is prepared. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT. - Agree the dimensions for the SUT framework. - SUT dimensions for industries and products are documented and agreed. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT dimensions agreed as 114 x114. - Design SUT spreadsheet for rebasing exercise. - Spreadsheet is available for SUT compilation. Documentation is prepared. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2022 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT spreadsheet first draft produced and provided to Stats SL. - 4/21: training on the SUT spreadsheet and components were provided to the team. - 4/22: updated SUT spreadsheets, documentations and training was provided to Stats SL team. - Produce documentation for how the SUT spreadsheet works. - Documentation is available. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2022 — Completed. - 4/20: first draft of documentation produced as a PowerPoint slide pack. - 4/22: updated SUT spreadsheets, documentations and training was provided to Stats SL team. - Develop plan for rebase of Annual National Accounts (ANA) with base year 2018. - Plan is agreed with stakeholders. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: Project plan was fully populated with dates. - Develop correspondence tables for converting data sources used in SUT framework. - Correspondence tables are available. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: COICOP mapping produced. - 10/21: COICOP to CPA, HS to CPA, BPM6 to CPA mapping are produced; Bridge tables of COFOG and COPNI to CPA yet to be developed. - Research other sources for potential use in SUT rebasing. - Evidence based recommendations are produced. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Potential sources have been documented for review. - Populate the unbalanced SUT — all data are available (i.e., from actions 2-4). - Target Completion Date: Dec 2020 — Not yet started. - Compile specific SUT components for 2018 (status and revised dates): - Compile domestic output matrix, SLCPA x SLSIC for 2018. - Preliminary domestic output matrix. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 4/21: classification of AESE output data according to CPA has started. - 4/22: Output matrix from AESE and agriculture data is completed. - Compile imports and exports of goods by SLCPA for 2018. - Import and export of goods by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: Imports and exports of goods by CPA are compiled. Data to be incorporated to SUT. - Compile imports and exports of services by SLCPA for 2018. - Import and export of services by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: Imports and exports of services based on BMP6 are mapped to CPA for 2018. Further review required for components belonging to more than one CPA code. - Compile wholesale and retail trade margins by SLCPA for 2018. - Vectors of wholesale and retail trade by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Jan 2022 — In Progress. - 4/22: AESE data on sales and purchases of goods for resale have been analyzed. Next step to classify data by products. - Allocation of taxes and subsidies on products by SLCPA for 2018. - Vectors of taxes and subsidies on products by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile HFCE by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on HFCE by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: HFCE data mapping to CPA has started. Still need to compile the HFCE estimates for own-accounts consumption, SOOD, FISIM and insurance to be completed and mapped. - 4/22: the same situation as above. - Compile NPISH data by SLCPA from 2018. - Data on NPISH final consumption expenditure by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on GFCE by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile GFCF by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on GFCF by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — In progress. - 4/22: the classification of GFCF data from AESE started. - Compile intermediate consumption matrices, SLCPA by SLSIC for 2018. - Intermediate consumption matrix on CPC x ISIC basis. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 4/22: The IC matrix from AESE data is compiled. Additional work needed to split some products that belong to more than one product code classifications. Financial statement data will help to improve the IC matrix. - Compile unbalanced tax and trade margin matrices by SLCPA for 2018. - The tables are available. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Revised Jun 2022 — Not yet started. - Balancing SUT 2018 starts. Data are available for balancing. - Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Revised Jul 2022 — Not yet started. - Reviews and adjustments related to SUT balancing (status: Not yet started; revised dates provided): - Review of the SLIHS and adjustment of the data to correspond to HFCE. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review intermediate consumption patterns and make adjustments. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review other transactions and make adjustments. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review adjustments for SUTs to balance the tables. - Adjustments data are available. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation work for extended time series and balancing (status: Not yet started; multiple revised dates listed): - Compilation of production accounts by industry at current prices for 2001–2018. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation of production accounts by industry at constant prices for 2001–2018. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Price indices preliminarily collected to be used for developing GDP volume measurement using SUT framework. - Results are available. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Not yet started. - Analysis of key data for 2001–2018: outputs by industry, foreign trade and main aggregates of intermediate consumption. - Analysis is made. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Not yet started. - Preliminary balancing of SUT for 2018 at current prices. - Results are available. - Dec 2021 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation and balancing of a complete SUT for 2018. - SUT 2018 produced, and ratios are logical. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation of GDP for 2001–2018 at current and constant prices. - Results are available. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. - Backcasting GDP time series for 2001-2018. - Results are available. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. ### Action 6: Training in Rebasing and SUT Compilation - Maintain and build the capacity of the NAU. - Staff resources are commensurate with workload. Documentation and training available to build capacity of staff. - Ongoing — Ongoing — Ongoing. - 9/20: Training on data analyses, treatment of non-responses, concepts and methods of national accounts aggregates compilations was provided. - 4/21: training on national accounts aggregates and SUT was provided. - 10/21: training on financial sector, classification and SUT was provided. - 4/22: Extensive training on SUT spreadsheets and tools was provided to Stats SL team. ### Outcome 2: Higher Frequency Data — Quarterly National Accounts (QNA) Action 1: QNA — GDP by Production in Current and Constant Price - Regular collection of monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) data. - Data are supplied to Stats SL. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL has met with NRA on collecting monthly GST data. - 4/22: A MoU signed between Stats SL and NRA is crucial for obtaining monthly GST data. - GST data (and other tax data) are industry coded on the NRA system. - All tax data are industry coded to ISIC Rev. 4. - Original: Mar 2018 — Revised; Oct 2020 — Revised; Jul 2022. - Started: 3/29/2017 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL has met with NRA to inform them that they should start using ISIC Rev 4 – this will be implemented in their new ITAS system. - Regular collection of quarterly data for agriculture. - Data are supplied to Stats SL. - Oct 2020 — Revised Jan 2013 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL will use new template which includes quarterly data. - Investigate available sub-annual indicators to establish suitability for compiling quarterly GDP for sectors not in GST scope. - Documented findings and decision on feasibility of compiling QNA estimates. - Mar 2021 — In progress. - Templates have been updated to collect quarterly data – further work needed on other areas. - Develop methodologies and techniques for compiling QNA. - Methodologies are documented. - Mar 2021 — Revised Mar 2023 — Not yet started. - Training in specific QNA methodologies. - Staff trained in QNA compilation. - Mar 2021 — Not yet started. Action 2: QNA — Provision of Training in QNA Compilation - Staff of NAU to be continually trained on improving methodology, data collection. - Staff trained in QNA compilation. - Mar 2021 — In progress. - 4/20: The process of capacity building has started on this. ### Officials Met During the Mission - Prof. Osman Sankoh — Statistician General, Stats SL — osman.sankoh@statistics.sl - Andrew Johnny — Deputy SG, Stats SL — andrew.johnny@statistics.sl - Mwaluma Andrew Gegbe — Director of National and Economic Statistics Division, Stats SL — mwaluma.gegbe@statistics.sl - Sahr k. Davowa — Head of National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — sahr.davowa@statistics.sl - Maada M.Bockarie — National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — Maada.bockaria@statistics.sl - Habib Jarr — National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — habib.jarr@statistics.sl - Osman Soltani Koroma — Head of Business and Industry Statistics, Stats SL — osman.soltani-koroma@statistics.sl - Bai Mohamed Bangura — Business and Industry Statistics, Stats SL — Bai-mohamed.bangura@statistics.sl *Source: 1sleea2022003 - 22. The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover* ### 1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations ___________________________________________________________ 6 ### 1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations ___________________________________________________________ 6 ### Summary of mission outcomes and priority recommendations - Mission timing and modality - A technical assistance (TA) mission was conducted during April 4–29, 2022. - The mission was conducted in a hybrid way: three mission days were on-site, and the rest was conducted remotely using the WebEx application during the period of April 4–29, 2022. - Purpose - Assist Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) with the rebasing of the annual national accounts ensuring international best practices are applied. - Move from base year 2006 to new base year 2018 and adopt the Supply and Use Tables (SUT) framework and the System of National Accounts 2008 (2008 SNA) plus latest international classifications (ISIC Rev 4, CPA 2008). - Key outputs and progress - Completed analysis and classifications by products of the AESE national accounts indicators for the GDP rebasing and the SUT. - Compiled output and intermediate consumption matrices from AESE; developed bridge tables for indicators from areas not covered by AESE. - Mapping of AESE data to the Classification of Products by Activity (CPA) was completed by NAU. - Training provided to national accounts team on classifications, SUT spreadsheet compilation, and tools for manual and automatic balancing. - Risks and timetable - Overall deadline for GDP rebasing: results should be published at the end of December 2022. - Deadline at risk due to new censuses and surveys planned for second half of 2022 and outstanding administrative data. - Recommendation: GDP rebasing should be a high priority and Stats SL should put all efforts to meet the target date of December 2022. ### Priority recommendations (Table 1) - Target Date: June 2022 - Work with relevant institutions to obtain the required administrative data for GDP rebasing — Responsible: STATS SL - Target Date: June 2022 - Complete the product classification for other SUT components (FCE, GFCF) — Responsible: STATS SL ### Source data and GDP compilation — Rebasing of National Accounts - Rationale - The structure and size of the economy have changed since 2006—the current base year of national accounts in Sierra Leone—so rebasing is a key priority. - Aim to align national accounts with 2008 SNA, ISIC Rev 4, and CPA 2008 using the SUT framework. - SUT framework and classifications - Dimensions of SUT agreed; first version of SUT spreadsheet developed during a previous mission. - For rebasing, a square table of 114 industries and 114 products have been agreed and localized as SLSIC and SLCPA. - Matrices of Output and Intermediate Consumption (IC) were compiled at “CPA 6-digit x ISIC 4-digit levels” and aggregated to SUT SLCPA products level and SLISIC industry level. - Some IC elements are mixed-product and need further breakdown to fit SUT product codes. - AESE and product mappings - AESE collected detailed information on products and services and input costs; supplementary AESE data analyzed and updated after AESE results. - AESE data will be used to estimate trade margin rates by products; trade margin rates of the base year (2018) will be applied on IC, HFCE, GFCF, and exports by products. - Stats SL should complete the classification of trade data by products. - Agriculture sector - Agriculture census initially planned for Q1 2022 has been postponed until the end of 2022; results will not be available until mid-2023. - Under these circumstances, Stats SL should investigate availability of other data sources from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey (SLIHS) for the agriculture 2018 base year estimates. - Mapping of agriculture data to SLCPA was completed in preparation for incorporation of new agriculture estimates. - Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) - GFCF estimates by type of asset and industry are compiled based on AESE data, which do not cover all economic sectors. - Fixed assets of buildings and other construction work will be compared against production volume of construction activities. - Machinery and equipment estimates will be checked against imports data on capital goods; bridge tables for mapping import data to Broad Economic Classification (BEC) are available. - Stats SL should complete compilations of imports of goods by BEC for comparative analyses of shares for IC, HFCE, and GFCF. - Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) - HFCE expenditures are classified using COICOP 2018; a bridge table between COICOP 2018 and CPA 2008 was developed during the last mission. - Team should complete estimates and mapping of other elements of HFCE for goods produced and consumed by the same household. - Administrative data sources — outstanding - Administrative data from National Revenue Authority (NRA), National Communication Authorities (NATCOM), Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM), and Sierra Leone Association Non-Governmental Organization (SLANGO) were still outstanding. - Stats SL should follow up with these institutions to obtain required information. ### Capacity building, tools, and institutional issues - National Accounts Unit (NAU) staffing and capacity - NAU is currently understaffed: there are only three staff who produce the Annual National Accounts and are working on the GDP rebasing. - The rebasing would require at least two additional full-time equivalent staff in the NAU. - Recommendation: increasing staff capacities and number of human resources is important; ongoing training and extra resources are needed to meet the GDP rebasing deadline. - In absence of extra resources, establish working groups within Stats SL to assist NAU, with collaboration from other Stats SL units crucial. - SUT spreadsheets and balancing tools - SUT spreadsheets for compiling final rebased GDP estimates were further explained and updated. - A system designed where data are stored in databases and national accounts compilations take place in spreadsheet structures; data loaded from database records, further manipulations (such as balancing) done in this structure. - A manual and an automatic SUT balancing tool developed by the IMF were explained and provided, including documentation and instructions on each worksheet and balancing steps. - National Accountants should further read the manuals/guidance and practice using the SUT tools. ### Timetable for upcoming surveys, censuses, and implications for future rebasing - Planned census/survey schedule and implications - Mid-term Population Census (MPC) 2021 completed. - Preparatory work on the census of enterprises expected to be conducted in July 2022. - Agriculture census postponed to the end of 2022. - Labour Force Survey (LFS) is planned for 2022. - AESE and SLIHS planned in 2023. - These censuses and surveys will be key source data for the next GDP rebasing exercise; best practice is to rebase national accounts every five years. - Stats SL should strategically plan timing of surveys and censuses to collect comprehensive information for the base year reference period for the next rebasing. *Source: 1. Sierra Leone: Priority Recommendations (IMF technical assistance mission report, April 4–29, 2022).* ### 22. The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover ### 1sleea2022003 - 22. The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover ### Next mission and rebasing stages - The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover completion of national accounts aggregates, populating the SUT spreadsheet, and providing training to increase staff capacities. ### Recommended actions - Stats SL to complete HFCE estimates. - Stats SL to complete the product classification for the remaining SUT components. - Stats SL to work with relevant institutions to obtain the required administrative data for the GDP rebasing. ### Detailed Work Plan — Outcome 1: Use of SNA 2008 framework, concepts and definitions - Outcome 1: Data are compiled using the framework, concepts and definitions of the System of National Accounts 2008. Action 1: Development of the Business Register which is Up to Date and Well Maintained - Establish a working group to monitor progress in the development of the business register. - Risk/Assumption: Working group will guide the development and make recommendations on various issues that will arise. - Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: The Stats SL and NRA have established a working group. NRA business register is collected each year. - Use the results of the Economic Census to develop the initial Stats SL Business Register and harmonize with the NRA taxpayer list as well as other key registers. - Verifiable Indicator: Harmonized business lists are established. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2018. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2017. - Implementation Status: Completed: 2017/3/29. The Stats SL has cleaned and merged the register with the NRA taxpayer list. - Agreed and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between key stakeholders. - Verifiable Indicator: MoU is signed and updated accordingly. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: MoUs signed with Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL), Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and National Commission for Social Action. - 4/21: The MoU with the NRA is still pending. - 4/22: The MoU issue was discussed with SG and will be followed by him. - Identification of the requirements for the business register – identification, classifications, etc. - Verifiable Indicator: Requirements are clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2018. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2017. - Implementation Status: Completed. - Establish statistical business register maintenance rules. - Verifiable Indicator: Maintenance rules are clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Implementation Status: Update: 4/20: This is planned – will meet to agree rules. - Identify the systems requirements for the establishment and maintenance of the statistical business register. - Verifiable Indicator: Systems requirements clearly identified and documented including rationale. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. Revised: Dec 2021. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: This will be raised with the SG as it will require resources. - Launch of The Sierra Leone Statistical Business Register (SLSBR). - Verifiable Indicator: The LSBR is available to draw sample frames for economic surveys. - Original Target Completion Date: Jun 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: This will be raised with senior management. 4/21 Stats SL is planning to conduct another Business Census in 2022 with the WB project. Action 2: Annual National Accounts – GDP by Production in Current and Constant Prices - Maintain and build the capacity of the NAU staff. - Verifiable Indicator: Staff resources are commensurate with workload. Documentation and training (including materials) are available to build capacity of staff. - Target Completion Date: Ongoing. - Actual Completion Date: Ongoing. - Implementation Status: In progress: Staff numbers in the NAS are considered insufficient for the project. New recruits will be required when the economic survey commences. - 4/22: Staff numbers in the NAS are considered insufficient for the project. Training and documentations are provided to the staff to increase their capacities. - Phase 1 Establishment: Census undertaken so that a sample for the economic survey can be extracted. - Verifiable Indicator: Business List of all formal establishments is created. - Target Completion Date: Aug 2016. - Actual Completion Date: Sep 2016. - Implementation Status: Started: May 2016. Completed. - Produce a plan to establish a new set of GDP benchmark estimates for the year 2018. - Verifiable Indicator: Plan accepted by all stakeholders. - Target Completion Date: May 2017. - Actual Completion Date: Jan 2019. - Implementation Status: Started: February 2017. Completed: The plan was reviewed and updated in Jan 2019 mission – actual completion date revised. - Phase 2 AESE: Sample design extracted from the business list. - Verifiable Indicator: A sample frame for the economic survey, including the weights, is extracted. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2017. - Actual Completion Date: Mar 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Sample based on Stats SL business register combined with NRA list completed. - Phase 2 AESE: Survey Instrument design. - Verifiable Indicator: Survey instruments are designed. - Target Completion Date: Mar 2019. - Actual Completion Date: Dec 2019. - Implementation Status: Completed: Survey forms were finalized and used for data collection. - Phase 2 AESE: Data collection. - Verifiable Indicator: Data are collected from the field with the assistance of enumerators. - Target Completion Date: Jan 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Jan 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Survey data collection was carried out Dec 19 – Jan 20. - Phase 2 AESE: Data entry and processing. - Verifiable Indicator: Survey data are entered into the IT system and data processing edits are carried out to ensure a clean data set for compilation. - Target Completion Date: May 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Oct 2021. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Majority of data was captured and processed – awaiting final contributors which are being chased up. 9/20: Still some key contributor missing. 4/21: The AESE results for the main economic is completed and a report is drafted. - Phase 2 AESE: Data compilation — gross value added (GVA) estimation and grossing up. - Verifiable Indicator: Data produced to match SUT dimensions. - Target Completion Date: Jan 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data was processed and will be finalized once data of outstanding contributors are available. - 9/20: Progress was made with data analyses and grossing up of the results. Next step is the finalization of the AESE results. - 4/21: Further progress was made on the analyses of AESE national accounts indicators and supplementary data for SUT purposes. Next step to complete the classification by product. - 4/2022: Classification of AESE data by products are completed for most of the components. - Development of a strategy for ongoing production of annual GDP(P) estimates in line with international best practices. - Verifiable Indicator: An annual GDP(P) estimation strategy is prepared with an analysis of the various data sources and a data collection program identified. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020. - Implementation Status: Completed: 4/20: Stats SL now plan to collect a cut-down version of the AESE each year as well as publish quarterly GDP. - 4/21: Plans for an annual AESE is postponed due to covid and will resume in 2022. - Stats SL should explore tax data for their use in ongoing production of Annual GDP and development of quarterly GDP. The finalization of MoU between NRA and Stats SL will facilitate the data sharing for their use on the compilations of national accounts. - 4/22: The same situation as above. New AESE will be in 2023, therefore tax data will be used for ongoing production of years without AESE. - Informal sector estimation. - Verifiable Indicator: A factor for the informal sector is derived using the results of the SLIHS and the method is documented. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. - Implementation Status: In progress. This will now be based on SLIHS data. - 4/21: This component will be developed under the D4D IMF project. The first mission was conducted in February 2021 to produce the employment and renumeration matrices. The informal employment estimates will be generated from the employment matrix. - Sector-specific GVA data sources and methods (status and next steps) - Agriculture: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 10/21: a census of agriculture is planning to be conducted in 2022. These census data will be used for the rebasing. - 4/22: Agriculture Census is postponed at the end of 2022. Therefore, the MoA and SLIHS data will be investigated for producing new base year agriculture estimates. - Fishing: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 4/22: Agriculture Census is postponed at the end of 2022. Therefore, the MoA and SLIHS data will be investigated for producing new base year agriculture estimates. - Mining: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: In progress. - 4/20: Data sourced and being analyzed. - 4/22: mining data are available from NMA. However, data on inputs costs are needed and could be available only from financial statements that these mining enterprises submit to NRA. - Electricity: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - 4/22: Excel templates with data requirement from these institutions are sent out and need to be followed up by Stats SL. - Water: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - 4/22: Excel templates with data requirement from these institutions are sent out and need to be followed up by Stats SL. - Accommodation (tourism): - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - Transport: - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. Revised: Jun 2022. - Implementation Status: Not yet started. - Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly Measured (FISIM) - Action: Figures from the BSL should be obtained to calculate FISIM. - Verifiable Indicator: Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020. - Implementation Status: Started. - 1/29/2020: January 2020: A template with the required data to estimate FISIM was created and discussed with BSL. - 9/20: No data have been provided yet. - 4/21: Some aggregated data on banking sector were provided from BSL for year *Italic source: 1sleea2022003 - 22. The next mission will continue with the rebasing process. The next stages will cover* ### 2020. Still ### 2020. Still ### Progress on Annual National Accounts — General Rebase and Source Integration - Outstanding data for 2018–2019. - 10/21: BSL data incorporated into spreadsheets, methods identified, and estimates for output banking sector are compiled. Additional data are expected from BSL for FISIM 2018 and intermediate consumption estimates. - Estimates for insurance from Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM) should be brought into line with the 2008 SNA methodology. Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Revised Jun 2022 — Started. 4/02/2020. - January 2020: A template with the required data to estimate insurance was created and discussed with SLICOM. - 9/20: No data have been provided yet. - 4/21: No data have been provided yet. - 4/22: No data have been provided yet. Stats SL should follow up on it. - Data sources and methods for estimating gross value added (GVA) for the Public Administration, Health and Education sectors are reviewed and updated. Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Started. 4/02/2020. - January 2020: A review of data for general government data was made. AESE data will be used for private Education and Health. - 4/22: Government data are available at detailed level for years 2020 and on. The same information should be asked also for years 2018–2019. - Estimate for owner occupied dwellings using the SLIHS and Population Census. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Data was produced from SLIHS – being analyzed. - 4/21: SLIHS 2018 and Census 2015 source data were reviewed, and methods were explained for the services owner-occupied dwellings estimates. - 4/22: No further progress is made on it. - Data sources and methods for estimating GVA for the gambling sector from the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company (SLSLC) are reviewed and updated. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Revised estimates for taxes less subsidies from Ministry of Finance (MoF) on production and imports. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Rework the annual GDP(P) estimates backwards at both current and constant prices from 2001 to 2018. - Revised estimates are published. Changes in data sources and methodology are documented. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2021 — Revised Nov 2022. - Status: In progress. - 4/20: Established the basis of current GDP breakdown on ISIC Rev 3 basis and will revise back to 2001. - Implement a regular program of annual establishment AESE surveys in line with international best practice. - Implementation of a strategy for the ongoing production of annual GDP(P) estimates, maintain and build capacity of NAU staff. - Oct 2020 — Ongoing. - 4/20: Stats SL are planning to carry forward the AESE as an annual survey for GDP and rebasing. - 4/21: plans for an ongoing AESE have been postponed to 2023 due to Covid situation. - 4/22: Next AESE will be in 2023. - Staff numbers in the NAU are considered insufficient; new recruits will be required when the rebasing commences. - 4/22: Training and documentations are provided to the staff to increase their capacities. ### Action 3: Annual National Accounts — GDP by Expenditure (HFCE, NPISH, GFCF, Trade) - Produce estimates for HFCE. - SLIHS 2018 data analyzed and used for GDP compilation. COICOP 2018 data mapping to SUT products available. Documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: The SLIHS 2018 was completed, and results converted to COICOP for review. - 4/21: COICOP classification is completed. Additional information is required to complete the HFCE estimates into the national accounts concepts. - 10/21: mapping of HFCE to SLCPA started. - 4/22: the HFCE estimates and classification yet to be completed. - Produce estimates of consumption expenditure for NPISH using data from Sierra Leone Association of Non-Government Organizations (SLANGO). - Data collected and converted to national accounts requirements. Documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL are reviewing the best methods for compiling data for NPISH. - 10/21: no data are received yet from SLANGO. - 4/22: no data are received yet from SLANGO. - Revised estimates for central government expenditure through collaborating with the MoF. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. - Revised estimates for gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) using AESE and Foreign Trade data. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. GFCF estimates from AESE are compiled. Foreign trade data to be classified by BEC classification. - Revised estimates for imports and exports. - Data incorporated into spreadsheets via mapping to SUT products and documentation updated. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Data are available, and mapping needs to be developed. - 10/21: Export and import data have been reviewed and mapped to CPA. Next step to incorporate the data to SUT spreadsheets. - Compile GDP estimates from the expenditure approach, in line with best international practice. - Revised estimates and documentation are disseminated. - Oct 2020 — Not yet started. ### Action 4: Annual National Accounts — GDP by Income - Investigate the feasibility of estimating GDP by income on an ongoing basis. - Data sources are identified; methodologies are developed, and data are disseminated. Documentation is prepared. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Options for measuring GDP by income approach reviewed; framework established. ### Action 5: Annual National Accounts — Supply and Use Tables (SUT) - Establish the SUT framework. - Industry and product classifications are developed. Documentation is prepared. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT. - Agree the dimensions for the SUT framework. - SUT dimensions for industries and products are documented and agreed. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT dimensions agreed as 114 x114. - Design SUT spreadsheet for rebasing exercise. - Spreadsheet is available for SUT compilation. Documentation is prepared. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2022 — Completed. - 4/20: SUT spreadsheet first draft produced and provided to Stats SL. - 4/21: training on the SUT spreadsheet and components were provided to the team. - 4/22: updated SUT spreadsheets, documentations and training was provided to Stats SL team. - Produce documentation for how the SUT spreadsheet works. - Documentation is available. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2022 — Completed. - 4/20: first draft of documentation produced as a PowerPoint slide pack. - 4/22: updated SUT spreadsheets, documentations and training was provided to Stats SL team. - Develop plan for rebase of Annual National Accounts (ANA) with base year 2018. - Plan is agreed with stakeholders. - Target Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Actual Completion Date: Apr 2020 — Completed. - 4/20: Project plan was fully populated with dates. - Develop correspondence tables for converting data sources used in SUT framework. - Correspondence tables are available. - Target Completion Date: Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: COICOP mapping produced. - 10/21: COICOP to CPA, HS to CPA, BPM6 to CPA mapping are produced; Bridge tables of COFOG and COPNI to CPA yet to be developed. - Research other sources for potential use in SUT rebasing. - Evidence based recommendations are produced. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Potential sources have been documented for review. - Populate the unbalanced SUT — all data are available (i.e., from actions 2-4). - Target Completion Date: Dec 2020 — Not yet started. - Compile specific SUT components for 2018 (status and revised dates): - Compile domestic output matrix, SLCPA x SLSIC for 2018. - Preliminary domestic output matrix. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 4/21: classification of AESE output data according to CPA has started. - 4/22: Output matrix from AESE and agriculture data is completed. - Compile imports and exports of goods by SLCPA for 2018. - Import and export of goods by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: Imports and exports of goods by CPA are compiled. Data to be incorporated to SUT. - Compile imports and exports of services by SLCPA for 2018. - Import and export of services by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: Imports and exports of services based on BMP6 are mapped to CPA for 2018. Further review required for components belonging to more than one CPA code. - Compile wholesale and retail trade margins by SLCPA for 2018. - Vectors of wholesale and retail trade by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Jan 2022 — In Progress. - 4/22: AESE data on sales and purchases of goods for resale have been analyzed. Next step to classify data by products. - Allocation of taxes and subsidies on products by SLCPA for 2018. - Vectors of taxes and subsidies on products by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile HFCE by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on HFCE by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 10/21: HFCE data mapping to CPA has started. Still need to compile the HFCE estimates for own-accounts consumption, SOOD, FISIM and insurance to be completed and mapped. - 4/22: the same situation as above. - Compile NPISH data by SLCPA from 2018. - Data on NPISH final consumption expenditure by CPA. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on GFCE by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Not yet started. - Compile GFCF by SLCPA for 2018. - Data on GFCF by the CPA classification. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — In progress. - 4/22: the classification of GFCF data from AESE started. - Compile intermediate consumption matrices, SLCPA by SLSIC for 2018. - Intermediate consumption matrix on CPC x ISIC basis. - Dec 2020 — Revised Dec 2021 — In progress. - 4/22: The IC matrix from AESE data is compiled. Additional work needed to split some products that belong to more than one product code classifications. Financial statement data will help to improve the IC matrix. - Compile unbalanced tax and trade margin matrices by SLCPA for 2018. - The tables are available. - Dec 2020 — Revised Feb 2022 — Revised Jun 2022 — Not yet started. - Balancing SUT 2018 starts. Data are available for balancing. - Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Revised Jul 2022 — Not yet started. - Reviews and adjustments related to SUT balancing (status: Not yet started; revised dates provided): - Review of the SLIHS and adjustment of the data to correspond to HFCE. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review intermediate consumption patterns and make adjustments. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review other transactions and make adjustments. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Review adjustments for SUTs to balance the tables. - Adjustments data are available. - Target: Apr 2021 — Revised May 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation work for extended time series and balancing (status: Not yet started; multiple revised dates listed): - Compilation of production accounts by industry at current prices for 2001–2018. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation of production accounts by industry at constant prices for 2001–2018. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Price indices preliminarily collected to be used for developing GDP volume measurement using SUT framework. - Results are available. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Not yet started. - Analysis of key data for 2001–2018: outputs by industry, foreign trade and main aggregates of intermediate consumption. - Analysis is made. - Target: Oct 2021 — Revised Sep 2022 — Not yet started. - Preliminary balancing of SUT for 2018 at current prices. - Results are available. - Dec 2021 — Revised Nov 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation and balancing of a complete SUT for 2018. - SUT 2018 produced, and ratios are logical. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. - Compilation of GDP for 2001–2018 at current and constant prices. - Results are available. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. - Backcasting GDP time series for 2001-2018. - Results are available. - Mar 2022 — Revised Dec 2022 — Not yet started. ### Action 6: Training in Rebasing and SUT Compilation - Maintain and build the capacity of the NAU. - Staff resources are commensurate with workload. Documentation and training available to build capacity of staff. - Ongoing — Ongoing — Ongoing. - 9/20: Training on data analyses, treatment of non-responses, concepts and methods of national accounts aggregates compilations was provided. - 4/21: training on national accounts aggregates and SUT was provided. - 10/21: training on financial sector, classification and SUT was provided. - 4/22: Extensive training on SUT spreadsheets and tools was provided to Stats SL team. ### Outcome 2: Higher Frequency Data — Quarterly National Accounts (QNA) Action 1: QNA — GDP by Production in Current and Constant Price - Regular collection of monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) data. - Data are supplied to Stats SL. - Oct 2020 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL has met with NRA on collecting monthly GST data. - 4/22: A MoU signed between Stats SL and NRA is crucial for obtaining monthly GST data. - GST data (and other tax data) are industry coded on the NRA system. - All tax data are industry coded to ISIC Rev. 4. - Original: Mar 2018 — Revised; Oct 2020 — Revised; Jul 2022. - Started: 3/29/2017 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL has met with NRA to inform them that they should start using ISIC Rev 4 – this will be implemented in their new ITAS system. - Regular collection of quarterly data for agriculture. - Data are supplied to Stats SL. - Oct 2020 — Revised Jan 2013 — In progress. - 4/20: Stats SL will use new template which includes quarterly data. - Investigate available sub-annual indicators to establish suitability for compiling quarterly GDP for sectors not in GST scope. - Documented findings and decision on feasibility of compiling QNA estimates. - Mar 2021 — In progress. - Templates have been updated to collect quarterly data – further work needed on other areas. - Develop methodologies and techniques for compiling QNA. - Methodologies are documented. - Mar 2021 — Revised Mar 2023 — Not yet started. - Training in specific QNA methodologies. - Staff trained in QNA compilation. - Mar 2021 — Not yet started. Action 2: QNA — Provision of Training in QNA Compilation - Staff of NAU to be continually trained on improving methodology, data collection. - Staff trained in QNA compilation. - Mar 2021 — In progress. - 4/20: The process of capacity building has started on this. ### Officials Met During the Mission (as listed) - Prof. Osman Sankoh — Statistician General, Stats SL — osman.sankoh@statistics.sl - Andrew Johnny — Deputy SG, Stats SL — andrew.johnny@statistics.sl - Mwaluma Andrew Gegbe — Director of National and Economic Statistics Division, Stats SL — mwaluma.gegbe@statistics.sl - Sahr k. Davowa — Head of National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — sahr.davowa@statistics.sl - Maada M.Bockarie — National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — Maada.bockaria@statistics.sl - Habib Jarr — National Accounts Statistics Section, Stats SL — habib.jarr@statistics.sl - Osman Soltani Koroma — Head of Business and Industry Statistics, Stats SL — osman.soltani-koroma@statistics.sl - Bai Mohamed Bangura — Business and Industry Statistics, Stats SL — Bai-mohamed.bangura@statistics.sl *Source: 1sleea2022003 - 2020. Still* --- _Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/cr/2022/english/1sleea2022003.pdf_