The 11th meeting of the SADC Statistics Committee has noted the need for further financial and technical assistance to ensure the continuation of a pilot project started in 2002 creating a socio-economic statistics database in the region.

The gathering of information for the database is being developed as a pilot exercise in six countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Lesotho Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. The database is vital for the upgrading of institutions dealing with statistical data and will assist the provision of reliable development indicators.

SADC member states have called on the World Bank to continue funding the project. (ANGOP)