Funding strategy for NSDS introduction 27-28 July 2005, Accra, Ghana

Adequate and sustainable funding is a key condition of the success of NSDS. Funding strategy is an integral part of statistical development strategy. It has to be addressed at every step of the NSDS design process, and not at the end. Funding partners both national and external have to participate in the design team from the beginning.

Funding through national budget is a fundamental element of the sustainability of statistical development. External funding of statistical development has to be part of the overall financial assistance to the country even though it means that it will be in competition with other sectors.

Thorough knowledge of mechanisms of funding both of the national budget and of donors processes are needed to master the funding strategy. NSDS process will be reiterated until the action plan will be fully financed. It implies that scenarios and priorities should be part of NSDS design.