Monrovia- As part of effort to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), in partnership with the World Bank, has officially launched the 2025 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES).
The nationwide survey, spanning all 15 counties, will collect essential data on household income, spending patterns, food security, education, health, and employment. It aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the living conditions of Liberians, thereby equipping policymakers, development partners, and researchers with the tools needed to design and implement more effective socio-economic policies.
“The launch of the household survey marks a significant step forward in our support for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development in Liberia,” said Georgia Wallen, World Bank Liberia Country Manager. “Access to high-quality data is an enabler for planning, decision-making, and action.”
The 2025 HIES is part of the broader World Bank-supported Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa (HISWA) project, a regional initiative aimed at enhancing statistical systems and ensuring data comparability across West African nations. The project underscores a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and development grounded in solid data.
“As the Government implements the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the 2025 HIES will provide vital baseline data to measure progress, target interventions, and deepen our understanding of poverty, employment, and well-being across the country,” said Hon. Richard F. Ngafuan, Director-General of LISGIS. “This survey is more than numbers—it reflects how Liberians live, work, and strive. It offers decision-makers the insight needed to govern wisely. I commend the World Bank for its continued support through the HISWA Project, which strengthens our national statistical foundation.”
The HIES will be conducted using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology, allowing interviewers to input data directly into tablets during face-to-face interviews. This modern method enhances data accuracy, reduces errors, and enables real-time data validation and transmission. Trained field personnel will visit randomly selected households to administer structured questionnaires.
“Reliable data is essential for identifying the real challenges households face,” said Rose Mungai, World Bank Senior Poverty Economist for Liberia. “This survey serves as a powerful instrument for designing targeted policies to reduce poverty, tackle inequality, and drive inclusive economic growth.”
This marks Liberia’s second HIES, following the country’s first such survey in 2016. The 2025 edition represents a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient and inclusive development framework grounded in credible statistics.
LISGIS is urging all selected households to fully cooperate with the survey teams, reassuring the public that all information gathered will remain confidential and used strictly for statistical purposes.
