The World Bank’s technical mission under the Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West Africa (HISWA) Project concluded on July 31 with a closing meeting dedicated to presenting the mission’s key findings and defining the next steps for the final phase of the #Project’s implementation.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of State for Finance, Maria José Lopes, and was attended by the World Bank Group’s Resident Representative in Cape Verde, Indira Campos, who led the World Bank delegation; the Coordinator of the Special Projects Management Unit (#UGPE), Nuno Gomes, as well as representatives from the National Institute of Statistics (#INE) and the other partner institutions involved in the Project’s implementation.

During the session, the World Bank’s technical team presented the mission’s key findings, providing an overview of the Project’s implementation status and the progress achieved across its various components. Technical decisions regarding the preparation of the Fifth Household Expenditure and Income Survey (V-IDRF 2026)—considered one of the priority activities for strengthening the national statistical system—were also confirmed.

One of the central topics discussed during the meeting was the possibility of extending the Project through December 2027. The Government of Cape Verde and the World Bank agreed on the importance of this extension, viewing it as an opportunity to consolidate ongoing activities, complete strategic interventions, and ensure more robust results in strengthening the national statistical system.

The Secretary of State for Finance, Maria José Lopes, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing to support the strengthening of the national statistical system, highlighting the importance of paying special attention to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) as a key entity for producing reliable, transparent, and high-quality data—which are essential for evidence-based public decision-making.

On that occasion, Indira Campos highlighted the collaborative atmosphere observed during the mission and the engagement of national institutions, noting that the meetings held throughout the week made it possible to identify priorities, align decisions, and establish a clear plan for the continuation of the project’s activities.